Vista Equity Partners (“Vista”), a leading global investment firm focused on enterprise software, data and technology-enabled businesses, today announced that it has expanded its independent board program, which leverages Vista’s network and resources to source qualified board candidates for its portfolio companies. Since its establishment in 2017, the program has expanded with a dedicated team and enhanced operations to identify leading independent board members to advance and accelerate the growth of Vista portfolio companies, with a specific focus on diverse candidates. The Firm has now placed over 55 board members across its more than 65 portfolio companies, including a record 20 appointments in the past 12 months alone, eight of which broaden representation across gender and race.
The most recent appointments in January 2021 include Bridgette Heller, who joins the board of Numerator, and Paul Martin, who joins the board of Ping Identity. Heller has held executive positions at Danone, Merck & Co., Johnson & Johnson and Kraft Heinz over her 35-year career. Martin recently served as CIO and Senior Vice President for Baxter International Inc., and has held IT leadership positions at Rexam PLC, CIT Group, BNSF Railway and Frito-Lay Inc.
“We are honored to welcome so many exceptional leaders to the Vista family. Their industry expertise and experience leading best-in-class, global organizations will be invaluable to Vista’s portfolio companies,” said Robert F. Smith, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners. “Diversity of thought and experience is essential in today’s world and a fundamental driver of business success in the digital age. We are pleased with the commitments, partnerships and placements we’ve made to progress our independent board program and the impact it has on our companies’ growth, innovation and long-term results.”
“With Vista’s independent board program, we have added several talented industry leaders to Numerator’s board who provide invaluable partnership and diverse perspectives that positively impact revenue and reputation. This is one of many programs and services Vista provides its companies that helps extend market leadership and accelerate growth,” said Eric Belcher, CEO of Numerator, a Vista portfolio company.
Program Focuses on Training and Building Diverse and Inclusive Boards
The program has also established training and partnership efforts to further advance its impact. Vista recently committed to Diligent’s Modern Leadership initiative, which helps organizations build more diverse and inclusive boards. The Firm also became a signatory of the Board Diversity Action Alliance. Further, Vista has built relationships with organizations such as the National Society of Black Certified Public Accountants and Him For Her to assist with pipeline efforts and board readiness. As it looks to the future, the Firm will become increasingly focused on pipeline efforts for board ready talent across the tech industry.
Other select recent appointments include former Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom, Chuka Umunna, who joined Advanced; Kim Hammonds, a senior business and technology leader, who joined Apptio; former Microsoft veteran, Marc Brown, who joined Datto; Virgil Miller who joined Plansource; Adrienne Kirby who joined Greenway Health; Arthur Johnson who joined Quickbase; and Otto Berkes who joined IAS.
About Vista Equity Partners
Vista is a leading global investment firm with more than $73 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2020. The firm exclusively invests in enterprise software, data and technology-enabled organizations across private equity, permanent capital, credit, and public equity strategies, bringing an approach that prioritizes creating enduring market value for the benefit of its global ecosystem of investors, companies, customers and employees. Vista’s investments are anchored by a sizable long-term capital base, experience in structuring technology-oriented transactions and proven, flexible management techniques that drive sustainable growth. Vista believes the transformative power of technology is the key to an even better future – a healthier planet, a smarter economy, a diverse and inclusive community and a broader path to prosperity. Further information is available at vistaequitypartners.com. Follow Vista on LinkedIn, @Vista Equity Partners, and on Twitter, @Vista_Equity.
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