Exponent, a leading European private equity firm, has appointed Johnny Sexton, the former Ireland Rugby captain and one of the most accomplished sporting leaders of his generation, as a Senior Advisor. In this newly created role, Sexton will bring his deep experience in leadership, teamwork, and high performance to support Exponent’s portfolio companies and internal team.
Sexton, renowned for his leadership on and off the field, captained both Ireland Rugby and the British & Irish Lions, leading teams through some of the most competitive eras in international sport. His career, marked by resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence, has made him one of Ireland’s most respected figures in professional athletics. At Exponent, Sexton will translate these qualities into the world of business, guiding company executives and teams on how to achieve sustainable, high-performance cultures.
In his advisory role, Sexton will work directly with portfolio company leaders to provide mentorship on performance management, communication, and leadership development. He will also offer strategic guidance on navigating setbacks, fostering collaboration, and sustaining motivation under pressure. Within Exponent, Sexton will mentor colleagues and contribute to the firm’s own approach to organizational development, focusing on continuous learning and long-term success.
Sexton’s focus on team dynamics and well-being aligns closely with the firm’s philosophy of helping leaders deliver strong, sustainable results. And his addition strengthens Exponent’s efforts to integrate holistic leadership principles into its portfolio management approach, ensuring that success is both measurable and enduring.
KEY QUOTES:
“I am excited to partner with Exponent, whose focus on people and on doing things in a different, more sustainable way stood out for me. Over my sports career, my principal focus both as a player and a coach has always been on how I could get the best out of myself and my teammates to improve team performance. During these years, I learned that to sustain that high performance it is important to incorporate overall wellbeing and to prioritise reviews and recovery. I believe this experience is complementary to Exponent’s approach and look forward to working hands-on with their team and portfolio companies.”
Johnny Sexton, Senior Advisor, Exponent
“We welcome Johnny to Exponent. He brings unique experience, alongside practical perspectives on leadership and performance which will benefit the management teams we work with, as well as our colleagues at Exponent. His passion for getting the best out of people and his holistic approach to performance are complementary to our ambition to be a thoughtful and innovative partner to our portfolio and provide a supportive environment for our colleagues.”
David McGovern, Partner, Exponent
