Specialist investment firm C5 Capital has appointed digital transformation expert Linda Zecher as an operating partner for its funds. She will also join C5 Capital’s board, and C5 Accelerate as chairperson.

In her new role at C5 Capital, she will support the investment team of C5 Impact Partners and its fund, which is focused on data driven technologies that support the inclusivity, safety, resilience and sustainability of cities and communities. She will also utilise her experience in technology, sales, marketing and management to mentor both C5 Capital’s portfolio of companies and start-ups on C5 Accelerate’s programmes.

C5 Capital, which exclusively invests in the secure data ecosystem, including cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure and applied data analytics, believes it will benefit from Ms Zecher's executive leadership experience in global technology and innovation.

Ms Zecher is the founder of The Barkley Group, a specialist consulting firm focused on digital transformation. It advises private equity funds on strategic direction, financial structuring, leveraging innovation and operational excellence to maximise investor returns and societal impact.

In addition, she also serves as a board member of two public companies - The Tenable Corporation, a cybersecurity firm, and The Hasbro Corporation, where she heads the cybersecurity board committee.

Prior to founding The Barkley Group, Ms Zecher was president, chief executive officer and director of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, a global education and learning company that went public under her leadership.  

During her career, she has held multiple senior leadership roles at technology corporations, including leading Microsoft's Worldwide Public Sector Business as a corporate vice president and serving as the senior vice president of Oracle's government, education, telecom, financial services, and healthcare applications division.

Andre Pienaar, founder of C5 Capital, said: “We are delighted that Linda has joined us as an operating partner for our funds and chairperson to C5 Accelerate. Her leadership and insights will be of huge value to our portfolio companies as we support their global growth. Linda’s depth of experience in leading digital transformation make her uniquely equipped to support our mission of nurturing a secure digital future.”