John Caplan

John Caplan: A Leading Executive in the Digital Economy

John Caplan is a seasoned executive, investor, and entrepreneur with a rich history of scaling companies, particularly within the digital economy. He possesses a BA in English from the University of Rochester, which laid the foundational skills for his robust career.

Professional Journey

Throughout his professional journey, John has consistently demonstrated an impressive capability to lead and innovate.

• Early in his career, he held the position of Director of Marketing at Berenter Greenhouse & Webster from 1995 to 1998. This role allowed him to hone his marketing skills and develop dynamic advertising and marketing programs.
• John’s next significant role was at About.com, where he served as President, Networks & Chief Marketing Officer from 1998 to 2001. During this time, he was instrumental in scaling the business, enhancing its brand positioning, and driving substantial revenue growth.
• In 2002, John took on the role of CEO at Ford Models, Inc. Over his seven-year tenure, he modernized and transformed the venerable fashion talent agency, successfully tripling the revenue and establishing Ford Models Media, further solidifying the firm’s digital presence.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

• John continued his entrepreneurial journey by founding OpenSky in 2009, a leading ecommerce platform. As the CEO, he led the company until its acquisition by Alibaba in 2018.
• During this period, he also served on the Board of Directors for 5min, a role he held from 2008 to 2010.

Growth and Globalization

• John’s expertise in driving growth was further demonstrated during his tenure as President, North America & Europe for Alibaba.com from 2017 to 2021. He played a key role in spearheading the growth and globalization of Alibaba.com, making it one of the largest global B2B marketplaces.

Leadership at Payoneer

• Subsequently, John joined Payoneer, a commerce technology company, initially as Co-Chief Executive Officer in May 2022. By March 2023, he became the CEO, leading the company in empowering global small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) through financial technology solutions.

Board Memberships and Social Causes

• John’s board memberships further highlight his leadership in diverse industries. He has been a Board Member at Oscar Heyman since 2005 and Caroo from 2019 to 2022.
• Additionally, he is a founding board member of NeighborShare, a non-profit organization, showcasing his dedication to social causes.

Notable Achievements

John Caplan’s career is marked by notable achievements, including his role in the digital transformation of Ford Models, the substantial growth of Alibaba.com, and the successful scaling of OpenSky. His extensive experience, coupled with his strategic vision, has consistently driven business success and innovation.