MidOcean Partners welcomed John Kahan, the former Microsoft chief data analytics officer (CDAO), as the latest operating partner driving innovation and growth for the middle market firm’s portfolio companies.
The hire follows MidOcean’s close of its latest private equity fund, MidOcean Partners VI, with over $1.5 billion in capital commitments in April.
Kahan brings nearly four decades of experience in data science, global business, and technology transformation, having contributed his expertise to some of the world’s leading technology companies. During his tenure as Microsoft CDAO, Kahan played a pivotal role in integrating the company’s AI and data practices to address global challenges. Prior to that, he held several general manager-level positions, overseeing Microsoft’s worldwide customer relationship marketing and utilizing cutting-edge machine learning and optimization capabilities.
Before joining Microsoft, Kahan spent 18 years at IBM, where he held various key roles, including vice president of integrated marketing communications, where he spearheaded the transformation of the company’s marketing and sales efforts.
“I am pleased to join MidOcean, well-recognized for driving consistent exceptional outcomes by engaging operating talent to provide unparalleled, hands-on engagement to its partner companies,” Kahan said. His “distinctive perspective on the future of digital business transformation, coupled with his track record of redefining global businesses, will powerfully complement our investment focus on aligning sector-specific operating talent with our portfolio companies to help them drive profitable growth,” added Erik Oken, chairman of MidOcean’s private equity business.
MidOcean has made other notable executive moves this summer, adding Ravi Saligram, former president and CEO of Newell Brands, as an operating partner, and naming former Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddox to its executive board.
