Role Overview for Independent Director – Technology & Digital Transformation Expertise, PE-Backed Co. | Remote/National
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm, has been exclusively retained to identify a visionary and strategic Independent Director for the Board of a high-growth, private equity-backed portfolio company. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned technology executive to provide critical guidance and oversight, shaping the company’s trajectory as it leverages technology to accelerate growth, innovate its product offerings, and solidify its market leadership. The position is remote, with a national search underway for the most qualified candidate.
Our client is a dynamic and profitable organization operating in a rapidly evolving industry. With a significant investment from a top-tier private equity firm, the company is poised for an aggressive expansion phase, driven by both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. The Board of Directors and the executive leadership team have identified digital transformation and technological excellence as the core pillars of their long-term value creation strategy. Consequently, they are establishing this new board seat to bring in an independent, objective voice with deep expertise in modern technology stacks, digital product innovation, and scaling tech-enabled businesses.
The ideal candidate will be more than just a technologist; they will be a business strategist who understands how to harness the power of technology to create a sustainable competitive advantage. This individual will serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, the executive team, and their fellow board members, ensuring that the company’s technology roadmap is robust, scalable, and fully aligned with its ambitious business objectives. You will be instrumental in navigating the complexities of digital disruption, evaluating emerging technologies, and overseeing critical areas such as cybersecurity, data governance, and technology-related M&A diligence. This role demands a leader with exceptional strategic acumen, a collaborative spirit, and a proven track record of guiding organizations through periods of significant technological change and growth.
Key Responsibilities of Independent Director – Technology & Digital Transformation Expertise, PE-Backed Co. | Remote/National
As a key member of the Board, the Independent Director will have a broad mandate to influence and guide the company’s technological future. Your contributions will be critical across strategy, governance, and innovation, ensuring long-term, sustainable value creation for all stakeholders.
Strategic Technology Counsel
Provide expert, independent guidance to the Board and senior management on all aspects of technology strategy. This includes advising on the technology roadmap, product development lifecycle, enterprise architecture, cloud strategy, and decisions regarding building, buying, or partnering for new technological capabilities.
Digital Transformation Oversight
Act as a primary advisor on the company’s digital transformation journey. Help define the vision, challenge assumptions, and monitor the execution of key initiatives aimed at enhancing customer experience, improving operational efficiency, and creating new digital revenue streams.
Governance and Risk Management
Offer diligent oversight of technology-related risks, including cybersecurity threats, data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA), and IT compliance. Ensure that appropriate policies, controls, and incident response plans are in place to protect the company’s assets and reputation.
Innovation and Emerging Technologies
Champion a culture of innovation within the company. Keep the Board and executive team informed about relevant emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and data analytics, and help assess their potential impact and application to the business.
Capital Allocation and Investment Review
Review and advise on major technology investments, budgets, and capital allocation requests. Ensure that there is a clear business case and a strong expected return on investment for all significant technology expenditures.
M&A Technology Diligence
Provide a critical technology perspective on potential merger and acquisition targets. Assess the scalability of a target’s technology platform, the complexity of integration, potential synergies, and any underlying technological risks or liabilities.
Executive Mentorship
Serve as a mentor and sounding board for the Chief Technology Officer (or equivalent) and other senior technology leaders within the organization, offering coaching on leadership, team development, and strategic execution.
Fiduciary Responsibility
Uphold all fiduciary duties to the company and its shareholders, acting with the highest level of integrity, independence, and ethical conduct in all board matters. Contribute actively to board discussions, bringing a constructive, forward-looking perspective.
Requirements for the Independent Director – Technology & Digital Transformation Expertise, PE-Backed Co. | Remote/National
We are seeking a distinguished leader with a deep and demonstrable track record in technology leadership and corporate governance. The successful candidate will possess a unique blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and strategic foresight.
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 15 years of experience in senior technology leadership roles, such as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Chief Information Officer (CIO), Chief Digital Officer (CDO), or VP of Engineering, preferably within a high-growth, tech-forward environment.
Board-Level Experience
Prior experience serving on a corporate board of directors (either public or private) is strongly preferred. Candidates with significant advisory board experience for sophisticated organizations will also be considered.
Private Equity Exposure
Demonstrable experience working within the private equity ecosystem is a significant asset. This includes experience leading technology in a PE-backed company, advising PE firms, or conducting technology diligence.
Deep Domain Expertise
Comprehensive knowledge across a range of modern technology domains, including SaaS business models, public cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, GCP), scalable enterprise architecture, data science, AI/ML applications, and robust cybersecurity frameworks. A proven history of driving successful digital transformation is essential.
Strategic and Business Acumen
Proven ability to think strategically and connect technology initiatives directly to business outcomes, such as revenue growth, profitability, and market share. Must be able to challenge and contribute to the overall corporate strategy.
Financial Literacy
Strong financial acumen and the ability to read and interpret financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow). Experience with technology budgeting, ROI analysis, and the financial aspects of technology-related M&A is crucial.
Exceptional Communication Skills
Superior communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to articulate complex technical concepts to a non-technical audience, including fellow board members and investors, is paramount.
Educational Background
A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly desirable.
Impeccable Character
Unquestionable personal and professional integrity, a strong ethical framework, and the ability to work collaboratively and constructively in a boardroom setting.
Benefits & Perks Offered
This board position offers a compelling compensation package and a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on a growing enterprise.
Competitive Board Compensation
A competitive compensation package will be offered, consisting of an annual cash retainer, fees for board and committee meeting attendance, and a meaningful equity grant that aligns the Director’s long-term interests with those of the shareholders.
Strategic Impact
Play a pivotal role in the strategic direction and success of a market-leading company during a critical phase of its growth. Your expertise will directly influence the company’s ability to innovate and compete.
High-Caliber Network
Collaborate with a distinguished group of board members, a talented executive team, and a leading private equity firm. This role provides an exceptional platform for professional networking at the highest levels.
Intellectual Challenge
Engage in stimulating, high-level discussions and decision-making on the most critical challenges and opportunities facing the business today.
Flexibility and Remote Work
The role is remote, offering the flexibility to contribute from any location nationally. Travel will be required for quarterly in-person board meetings and other occasional strategic sessions (travel expenses fully reimbursed).
How to Apply
JRG Partners is proud to lead this critical search. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment and encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. If you possess the requisite experience and are passionate about leveraging technology to drive business success, we invite you to express your interest.
To be considered for this exclusive opportunity, please submit your curriculum vitae or a detailed biography in confidence. For more information about our expertise in placing transformative leaders, please visit the JRG Partners’ Board of Directors & Board Member Search Practice page. We look forward to learning more about your qualifications and discussing this exciting role with you.
