Joe Kushi

With over 30 years of experience driving innovation and growth in global business development, channel strategy, and partnership building, Joe is a seasoned executive recognized for delivering transformative results. Throughout a distinguished career, Joe has been instrumental in guiding organizations through four successful exits: one IPO and three high-value acquisitions. These accomplishments highlight an exceptional ability to align strategic goals with operational execution, foster market expansion, and drive shareholder value.

Joe currently serves as a versatile and innovative leader with expertise spanning international sales, strategic partnerships, investment planning and customer experience. Renowned for building consensus and fostering collaboration, Joe has led teams to develop robust sales channels and programs across diverse industries, consistently exceeding expectations and setting new benchmarks for success.

Career Highlights:

• Acuant (Acquired by GBG PLC for $736M):As Senior Director of International Sales, Joe was pivotal in driving the company’s global presence, leveraging AI-powered identity verification solutions to secure key partnerships and over one billion transactions in 200+ countries.
• Listen, Inc.:Directed international sales strategies, creating repeatable processes for enterprise and SMB clients, expanding Tier 1 consumer electronics partnerships, and launching innovative channel programs across Europe and Asia.
• Steel Belted Software:As Vice President of Sales and Partnerships, launched a global technology startup by securing its first proof-of-concept partnership, introducing blockchain programs, and achieving funding beyond initial investments.
• IneoQuest Technologies (Acquired by Telestream):Developed a multi-tier global channel program, securing $3M in sales with telecom operators and signing 16 new partners across APAC, EMEA, and LATAM regions.
• Aware, Inc.:Built a global services practice, closing $36M in the company’s largest-ever contract and introducing innovative medical imaging solutions to international markets.
• TriGeo Network Security (Acquired by SolarWinds for $35M):Directed international sales, signing the company’s first global integrators, distributors, and resellers, and securing international product awards.
• Funk Software (Acquired by Juniper Networks for $122M):Drove international sales teams, expanded revenue from $700K to $16M, and contributed to acquisition due diligence and integration efforts.
• FTP Software (IPO 1994):Established and scaled the Paris office, growing market sales from $9M to $13M by targeting marquee accounts such as Daimler-Benz, CERN, and FIAT.
• Image Systems:Founded the Belgian office, cultivating strategic partnerships with organizations like EuroDisney, Rolls Royce, and Mercedes.

Leadership Philosophy and Vision

A personable and engaging leader, Joe is known for cultivating deep collaboration with clients and colleagues alike. The driving force behind Joe’s success is a passion for creating exceptional customer experiences and building consensus around critical initiatives. With a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, Joe delivers results that make a lasting impact on organizations and their stakeholders.

When not leading teams to success, Joe is an advocate for leveraging technology to solve complex challenges and enhance customer engagement, staying at the forefront of emerging trends in the industry.