AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Vista Equity Partners, a leading investment firm focused on software, data, and technology-enabled businesses, today announced the appointment of Read Simmons as President of Vista Consulting Group (VCG). Mr. Simmons brings to Vista nearly 20 years of experience in technology consulting, with a focus on private equity strategies. In his role, Mr. Simmons will lead Vista’s dedicated consulting organization, accelerating the operational, growth, and talent management strategies of Vista’s portfolio of over 50 technology companies.
“Read’s strategic vision, extensive expertise, and proven history in driving profitable growth in software and technology companies make him a natural choice to lead VCG,” said Robert F. Smith, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Vista. “At a time of rapid transformation in our increasingly digital economy, enterprise software companies require a spirit of both innovation and discipline, as well as an engineering mindset to design thoughtful, sustainable solutions. This is exactly what VCG was designed to cultivate, and we are thrilled to have Read on board to advance and empower Vista companies to lead their markets.”
VCG is a team of over 100 subject matter experts and consultants who partner with Vista investment professionals and executive management teams to strengthen the operational foundations of Vista companies, enhance the customer experience, deliver product innovation and expand their market opportunity. With a tailored approach for each company, VCG provides a differentiated understanding of how a software company can thrive, offering insights and proven solutions available through a robust platform of talent, knowledge and resources.
“I am excited to join Vista and eager to lead VCG in its mission to advise, challenge, and inspire Vista companies to achieve their goals and lead their markets,” said Simmons. “As someone deeply engaged in the software and technology sectors for the past two decades, it’s clear that no other private equity firm rivals the scale, expertise and software experience of Vista and their dedicated consulting practice. I look forward to building on this impressive track record and contributing to Vista and VCG’s continued success.”
Mr. Simmons previously worked as a Partner at Bain & Company where he served most recently as a Director in its Private Equity Practice, leading its Technology, Media, and Telecommunications vertical while also spearheading Bain’s Digital and Advanced Analytics Practice within Private Equity. During his tenure at Bain he also led numerous talent initiatives, including management of global training programs and serving as the HR Partner for Bain’s Bay Area offices. His experience in operational strategies, including product management and cloud technologies, is strengthened by his undergraduate degree from Stanford and doctorate from UC Berkeley, both in Chemical Engineering.
About Vista Equity Partners
Vista Equity Partners, a U.S.-based investment firm with offices in Austin, San Francisco, Chicago, and Oakland with more than $31 billion in cumulative capital commitments, currently invests in software, data and technology-enabled organizations led by world-class management teams with long-term perspective. Vista is a value-added investor, contributing professional expertise and multi-level support towards companies realizing their full potential. Vista’s investment approach is anchored by a sizable long-term capital base, experience in structuring technology-oriented transactions, and proven management techniques that yield flexibility and opportunity in private equity investing.
For more information, please visit www.vistaequitypartners.com.
