Since founding Aquent from his Harvard dorm room in 1986, John has guided the company into one of the largest work-solutions firms in the marketing and creative space, now employing more than 10,000 people worldwide. A longtime innovator in talent care and company culture, he pioneered comprehensive health benefits for contingent workers and led Aquent to net-zero carbon status in 2024—a milestone driven by sustained sustainability initiatives and a virtual-first operating model.
A tech-first leader, John has built teams that engineered proprietary technologies now licensed and used globally, including litl computers and RoboHead, a project-management solution for in-house marketing and creative teams. He continues to expand Aquent’s AI capabilities across Aquent Studios, Aquent Scout, and Aquent Talent’s applicant-tracking platform, and is reshaping the work-solutions landscape through new brands like Skill–a next-generation staffing agency built on machine-matching technology.
An active investor and operator, John was the lead investor and chairman during Angie’s List’s growth and IPO, and currently invests in and advises companies such as Make My Move, MetaCX, and Health Rhythms while participating in urban redevelopment projects in Indianapolis. He has been widely featured in national media, received honors including being named to Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) SIA 100 North America list multiple times, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and the U.S. Pan Asian American Excellence Award, and holds degrees from Harvard College and Harvard Business School.