summit partners l.p., reinforcing their commitment to fostering enduring success. Furthermore, Bob actively contributes to the firm’s business development efforts, leveraging his deep industry insights and network. Currently, his leadership extends to board memberships at CollisionRight and OTR Solutions, where he provides strategic guidance and oversight.
With a career spanning over three decades in investment, Bob Diamond brings a wealth of experience to summit partners l.p. His impressive investment portfolio and board affiliations have included prominent technology and service companies. Notably, these include Align Technology (Nasdaq: “ALGN”), renowned for its innovative medical devices; Authentec (Nasdaq: “AUTH”), a pioneer in security solutions acquired by Apple; Blackboard (Nasdaq: “BBBB”), a leading education technology company acquired by Providence Equity; eScreen, specializing in workplace health screening and acquired by Alere/Abbott Labs; and Maxim Integrated Products (Nasdaq: “MXIM”), a semiconductor manufacturer acquired by Analog Devices. His engagement also extends to Pacur, a specialty packaging company; Potter Global, a fire protection services provider acquired by KKR; Thomas Weisel Partners (Nasdaq: “TWPG”), an investment bank acquired by Stifel Financial; Transportation Insight, a supply chain solutions provider; Viator, a travel experiences platform acquired by Trip Advisor; Wall Street Institute, an English language education provider acquired by Pearson; and Washing Systems, an industrial cleaning solutions company acquired by Kao Corporation. This diverse portfolio underscores Bob’s versatile investment acumen and his ability to contribute to value creation across various industries relevant to summit partners l.p.’s investment focus.
Before joining summit partners l.p., Bob held a significant role as Partner at Gryphon Investors, where he led the Industrial Growth Group. At Gryphon, he was also responsible for business development and spearheaded the creation of the firm’s software practice, demonstrating his capacity to build and expand investment capabilities. Earlier in his career, Bob was a Partner at Cheyenne Capital Fund, a private equity fund-of-funds and co-investment fund. His influence in the financial sector is further highlighted by his tenure as Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Investment Policy Committee for the New Jersey State Investment Council, overseeing the state’s substantial $78 billion pension fund. Significantly, Bob spent a decade as a Partner and member of the Management Committee at The Carlyle Group, where he served as the Global Head of Venture & Growth Capital. During his time at Carlyle, Bob also held the esteemed position of Chairman of the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA), advocating for the venture capital industry on a national level. His early finance career began at Robertson, Stephens & Co., where he was a Partner and a member of the firm’s Management Committee, gaining foundational experience in investment banking and financial services.
Bob’s career path includes distinguished public service. He served in the White House as a senior policy advisor to President George H.W. Bush, holding several critical positions, including Deputy Assistant to the President and Executive Associate Director of the Office of Management & Budget (OMB). He also served as OMB Associate Director for Natural Resources, Energy and Science, and was the chief speechwriter for the successful 1988 Bush-Quayle presidential campaign. His entry into public service began as Legislative and then Administrative Assistant to U.S. Congresswoman Millicent Fenwick and as Director of Communications and Policy for New Jersey Governor Thomas H. Kean, illustrating a long-standing commitment to public policy and leadership.
Academically, Bob earned an AB, cum laude, from Harvard College and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. His connection to academia continued as he taught at Stanford for over a decade as a Lecturer in Public Management, shaping future leaders with his practical insights and knowledge. Beyond his role with summit partners l.p. and the board and investment experience mentioned, Bob currently contributes to several prominent organizations. He is a member of the Board of Directors at Stifel Financial (NYSE: SF), bringing his financial expertise to a publicly traded firm. He also serves on the Board of Overseers of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and on the Board of Trustees of Proctor Academy, further demonstrating his commitment to education and policy. Additionally, Bob is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, engaging in critical discussions on international affairs and policy. Bob Diamond’s multifaceted experience across investment, public service, and education positions him as a valuable asset to Summit Partners L.P., enhancing their strategic capabilities and reinforcing their position in the investment landscape.
