Lightspeed Commerce Enhances Its Board for Strategic Growth
Lightspeed Commerce Inc. has announced significant changes to its Board of Directors as part of its ongoing strategy to ensure profitable growth. On September 25, 2025, the company revealed the appointments of Sameer Samat and Odilon Almeida, effective October 1, 2025. Their hiring is a strategic move intended to leverage their extensive experience in product innovation and financial technology to propel Lightspeed into its next phase of development.
New Appointments
Sameer Samat currently serves as President of the Android Ecosystem at Google. In this high-profile role, he leads global teams responsible for a wide range of Android platforms, from mobile devices to wearables and beyond. His impressive background includes a pivotal role in the creation of Google Shopping, where he established services that have become integral to Google’s marketplace dynamics. Samat's extensive experience in driving product and technology innovations will be a crucial asset to the Board as Lightspeed seeks to refine its offerings in the competitive omnichannel commerce space.
Odilon Almeida, a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience, holds an impressive track record in steering companies toward growth in the fintech and consumer goods sectors. As the Managing Principal of AJ Holdings and Operating Partner at Advent International, Almeida focuses on supporting initiatives that drive higher sales and profit margins. His previous roles, including CEO and Board Member at ACI Worldwide and President of Western Union, highlight his ability to lead successful transformations and expansions across various global markets.
Strategic Importance
The strategy behind integrating Samat and Almeida into the Board is to ensure that Lightspeed has strong leadership imbued with technological insight and operational excellence. As Manon Brouillette, Executive Chair of the Board of Lightspeed, expressed, these appointments are designed to strengthen critical sectors of the company’s operations. “In Sameer, we gain a world-class leader steeped in product and technology expertise, and Odilon brings decades of experience in driving organizational growth and innovation,” said Brouillette.
Dax Dasilva, the founder and CEO of Lightspeed, also emphasized the importance of these changes by stating that such insights will be instrumental as the company innovates and scales in the global market. The appointments mark a deliberate step towards enhancing the governance of the company while aligning with its growth objectives.
Transition of Board Members
Alongside the new appointments, the company will see the departures of Patrick Pichette and Rob Williams from the Board. Pichette, who has served for seven years, has been a source of strategic guidance that has shaped Lightspeed's evolution. Williams's contributions also significantly bolstered the company's governance during his tenure. Both members will conclude their service at the end of September and December 2025, respectively.
The company expressed gratitude towards Pichette and Williams, recognizing their remarkable contributions and commitment to guiding Lightspeed through a pivotal growth period. With these transitions, Lightspeed appears poised to innovate and thrive under the leadership of its newly enhanced Board.
About Lightspeed
Founded in 2005 in Montréal, Canada, Lightspeed has grown to become a critical player in the omnichannel retail landscape, servicing ambitious businesses across 100 countries. By integrating innovative technology solutions—ranging from point of sale to e-commerce—Lightspeed empowers its partners to accelerate growth and refine their operations.
For more information about Lightspeed's strategic vision and ongoing developments, visit
Lightspeed's official website.
In summary, the infusion of new leadership at Lightspeed's Board is an assertive measure toward ensuring that the company continues its trajectory towards profitable growth and sustained innovation in the fast-evolving world of commerce.