Laef Olson

Partner, Tech Practice Lead

Bio

Laef Olson joined Apax in 2017 as an Advisor in the Operational Excellence Practice team, based out of the US. He leads the Technology & Cybersecurity practice team, engaging in pre-investment due diligence, and delivery of technology & cybersecurity projects across the Apax portfolio.

He has held several senior operating roles for technology-driven organizations, including Senior Vice President at Oracle Corporation where he was responsible for delivery of Oracle Public Cloud, as Senior Vice President & CIO at RightNow Technologies, as Group Vice President of Technology at Orbitz Worldwide, as CTO at Cars.com, and as Vice President of Online Product Management at First Chicago NBD.

Laef holds an MBA from the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago, and also a BA in Economics from Wheaton College.

Living our values

"One of the key principles that I’ve emphasized in my technology leadership roles has been that ‘better is always possible’. Creating an organizational culture that embraces change and is biased towards disruption and progress is critical to winning in a hyper-competitive technology-driven marketplace. “We learn, adapt and grow” resonates strongly with me as a similar theme, and is the basis for continual improvement and innovation at Apax Partners."

Contact information

+1 212 753 6300

Laef's Story

As an apiarist, Laef sees up close the power of unselfish teamwork in achieving what would have been impossible for the individual. He was immediately attracted to Apax, where teams of humble yet driven, talented and experienced individuals is the norm. He sees the power of this framework played out every day in how the Firm approaches opportunities and engages within the diversity of the funds' investment portfolio. This model, combined with clear and pervasive values and culture, creates a dynamic and compelling work environment that is a key driver of the Firm’s success.