Lightspeed Welcomes Google and FinTech Leaders to Board

Lightspeed Commerce, a payments processor based in Montréal, has announced the addition of Sameer Samat, president of Google’s Android ecosystem, and Odilon Almeida, former CEO of ACI Worldwide, to its board of directors. This strategic move is set to take effect on October 1, 2024, as the company continues its efforts to innovate and expand its global presence.

Samat brings a wealth of experience in product and technology, leading global teams responsible for the Android platform, Google Play Store, and developer tools. His involvement with Google began as a founding member of the commerce team, where he played a crucial role in launching Google Shopping. Almeida, on the other hand, has extensive experience in the financial technology sector, having held leadership positions at ACI Worldwide and Western Union. Currently, he serves in roles at private equity firms AJ Holdings and Advent International.

The appointments of Samat and Almeida are part of Lightspeed’s strategic transformation plan. CEO Dax Dasilva emphasized the alignment of their expertise with the company’s goals, stating, “Their insights will be invaluable as we innovate and scale globally.” This addition aims to enhance the board’s capabilities in navigating product-led growth and profitability initiatives.

Board Restructuring and Leadership Changes

As Samat and Almeida join the board, longtime members Patrick Pichette and Rob Williams will step down. Pichette, a partner at early Lightspeed investor Inovia Capital, previously served as board chair and was pivotal during the company’s strategic review process earlier this year. His leadership has been described by Dasilva as “instrumental” in shaping the company’s evolution.

Williams has also contributed significantly during his tenure, particularly in his role as chair of Lightspeed’s risk committee. Dasilva acknowledged their commitment and insights during a challenging period for the company, underscoring the importance of strong governance as Lightspeed navigates its growth.

The company had previously considered potential acquisition offers but ultimately chose to remain public, reinforcing its commitment to independent growth and innovation in the payments space.

The addition of Samat and Almeida is expected to bolster Lightspeed’s efforts as it continues to expand its technological capabilities and refine its strategic direction in the competitive payments landscape.