Lightspeed Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Lightspeed has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, product innovation, revenue generation, operational scaling, organizational alignment, financial management, and legal compliance.

Focused on empowering global commerce, Lightspeed delivers cloud-based software and payment solutions that enable retailers and restaurateurs to optimize operations, engage consumers, and accelerate business growth across international markets.

Leadership Roles at Lightspeed

  • Chief Executive Officer - Ruth Garcis
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Biju Kulathakal
  • Chief Financial Officer - Asha Bakshani
  • Chief Operating Officer - Kyle Mahan
  • Chief Revenue Officer - Gabriel Benavides
  • Chief of Staff - William Jacob
  • Chief Legal Officer - Daniel Micak
  • Ruth Garcis - Chief Executive Officer

    Ruth Garcis, the Chief Executive Officer at Lightspeed, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the cloud-based commerce platform. Garcis manages the executive team to ensure alignment between product development and the evolving needs of retailers and restaurant operators globally. By prioritizing scalable software solutions, the Chief Executive Officer drives market expansion across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of the competitive landscape to maintain the company's position as a leader in retail and hospitality technology. Ruth Garcis fosters a culture of innovation that supports the integration of advanced payment systems into the core platform. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the Chief Executive Officer secures sustainable growth and enhances value for all stakeholders. Garcis maintains a focus on operational excellence to ensure the platform remains the primary choice for businesses seeking digital transformation.

    Biju Kulathakal - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Biju Kulathakal, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Lightspeed, architects the foundational vision and strategic direction for the company's cloud-based commerce ecosystem. Kulathakal oversees the development of innovative software tools that empower golf course operators, retailers, and restaurants to manage complex business operations. By championing a customer-centric approach, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer ensures the platform effectively bridges the gap between physical and digital commerce. This leadership role involves identifying emerging market trends and guiding the company toward new technological frontiers in the global payments sector. Biju Kulathakal maintains a commitment to building robust, scalable infrastructure that supports businesses of all sizes. Through continuous engagement with industry partners, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer drives the adoption of integrated solutions that simplify daily management tasks. Kulathakal secures the company's future by fostering an environment where creative problem-solving and technical precision define the organizational culture.
    Biju Kulathakal

    Asha Bakshani - Chief Financial Officer

    Asha Bakshani, the Chief Financial Officer at Lightspeed, directs the financial strategy, capital allocation, and fiscal reporting for the company's cloud-based commerce platform. Bakshani oversees the management of revenue streams from software subscriptions and payment solutions, ensuring the company maintains a strong balance sheet to support international expansion. This leadership role involves providing the financial insights necessary for the executive team to make informed decisions regarding product development and market entry. By optimizing financial operations, the Chief Financial Officer supports the company's growth in North America, the United Kingdom, and beyond. Asha Bakshani manages investor relations and ensures compliance with global financial regulations, reinforcing the company's reputation for transparency and stability. Through rigorous budget management and forecasting, the Chief Financial Officer secures the resources required to innovate and compete in the retail and hospitality technology sectors. Bakshani drives the financial discipline that enables the company to scale its operations effectively.

    Kyle Mahan - Chief Operating Officer

    Kyle Mahan, the Chief Operating Officer at Lightspeed, executes the internal operational strategy required to support the company's global cloud-based software and payment infrastructure. Mahan oversees the efficiency of business processes, ensuring that the platform remains reliable for retailers and restaurant operators across multiple continents. This leadership role involves streamlining cross-departmental workflows to enhance service delivery and customer support capabilities. By optimizing internal systems, the Chief Operating Officer enables the organization to scale rapidly in response to increasing demand in North America and international markets. Kyle Mahan coordinates with the executive team to align operational capacity with the company's strategic growth objectives. Through the implementation of robust management frameworks, the Chief Operating Officer maintains high standards of performance across all business units. Mahan drives initiatives that improve operational agility, allowing the company to adapt quickly to shifts in the retail and hospitality technology landscape while maintaining consistent service quality.

    Gabriel Benavides - Chief Revenue Officer

    Gabriel Benavides, the Chief Revenue Officer at Lightspeed, directs all global sales initiatives and revenue-generating activities across the company's diverse retail and hospitality segments. Benavides oversees the expansion of market share in North America, the United Kingdom, and international territories by optimizing the sales funnel and customer acquisition strategies. This leadership role involves coordinating with marketing and product teams to ensure that cloud-based software subscriptions and payment solutions meet the specific demands of multilocation businesses. By implementing data-driven sales methodologies, the Chief Revenue Officer accelerates the adoption of the platform among golf course operators and restaurant owners. Gabriel Benavides monitors regional performance metrics to identify growth opportunities and refine go-to-market tactics. Through the management of high-performing sales teams, the Chief Revenue Officer ensures consistent revenue growth and long-term client retention. Benavides maintains a focus on delivering measurable value to customers while driving the company's overall financial success.

    William Jacob - Chief of Staff

    William Jacob, the Chief of Staff at Lightspeed, facilitates the execution of strategic priorities and ensures seamless communication across the executive leadership team. Jacob oversees the coordination of high-level projects that impact the company's cloud-based software and payment solutions for retailers and restaurants. This leadership role involves managing the flow of information to the Chief Executive Officer and ensuring that organizational goals remain aligned with the company's mission. By streamlining decision-making processes, the Chief of Staff enhances the efficiency of the entire leadership group. William Jacob monitors the progress of key initiatives across North America, Europe, and Australia to ensure that operational milestones are met on schedule. Through the management of internal governance and strategic planning, the Chief of Staff supports the company's ability to navigate complex market challenges. Jacob maintains a focus on organizational health, ensuring that all departments work in concert to deliver superior value to the company's global customer base.
    Daniel Micak, the Chief Legal Officer at Lightspeed, directs the legal strategy, regulatory compliance, and risk management framework for the company's global operations. Micak oversees the protection of intellectual property and ensures that the cloud-based software and payment solutions adhere to the diverse legal requirements of North America, Europe, and international markets. This leadership role involves navigating complex contractual landscapes to support partnerships with retailers, restaurants, and golf course operators. By providing legal guidance on corporate governance and data privacy, the Chief Legal Officer enables the company to expand its footprint with confidence. Daniel Micak manages the legal team to resolve disputes and mitigate potential liabilities that could impact the company's growth. Through the development of robust compliance programs, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that all business activities align with international standards. Micak maintains a focus on safeguarding the company's assets while facilitating the seamless delivery of services to a global customer base.
    Daniel Micak

    Explore Leadership Teams in Financial Software

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Lightspeed Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Lightspeed?
    Lightspeed is led by Ruth Garcis (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Biju Kulathakal (Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and Asha Bakshani (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Lightspeed’s executive team?
    The executive team of Lightspeed includes leaders such as Ruth Garcis (Chief Executive Officer), Biju Kulathakal (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Asha Bakshani (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Lightspeed have?
    Lightspeed has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Lightspeed’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Lightspeed includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Revenue Officer.