Jim Jonassen

Summary

Jim Jonassen is a builder of teams, companies, products and communities. He’s founded five executive search firms over the past 30 years, including Riviera Partners and JJA. Jim was co-founder, CEO and Chairman of venture-backed PeopleMover, Inc., an enterprise software firm that merged with Opus360 prior to its 2000 IPO. He also founded and led Micro J Systems, a developer of software solutions for staffing and talent acquisition specialists. Known for creating teams that achieve both scale and investor returns, Jim has been instrumental in assembling leadership teams for clients like 2K Games (NASDAQ: TTWO), Cornerstone on Demand (NASDAQ:CSOD acquired by Clearlake Capital Group), CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD), EVgo (NASDAQ:EVGO), FIGS (NYSE:FIGS), GreenDot (NYSE:GDOT), Jellysmack, Juvo+, Mission Cloud, The Honest Company (NYSE:HNST) and Velocify (acquired by Sallie Mae). Jim has long demonstrated a dedication to giving back, both within the professional community and via charitable organizations across Southern California. He played a pivotal role in forming several influential trade and community organizations: Los Angeles New Media Roundtable (LAwNMower), which focused on the emerging digital media industry; Digital Coast Roundtable, launched with then–LA mayor Richard Riordan to promote Los Angeles as a leading center for Internet and tech companies; and ThursdayNights.org, a 501 c6 non-profit, which convenes SoCal’s innovation economy luminaries while generating more than $2M in donations to local youth causes. He has served on the Advisory Board of Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica since 1995 and been an active Big Brother since 1992. Jim’s been recognized as Software Entrepreneur of the Year by the Technology Council of Southern California, and as one of the Top 25 People in High Technology by the Los Angeles Business Journal. He earned a BA in Political Science and Spanish from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He also studied at the Universitat de Barcelona. Search specialties: CEO, COO, CRO, CTO, Partner, and Board positions within the innovation economy. Interests outside of work: grandkids, golf, hiking, rugby, wine, BBQ, straight-ahead jazz and outlaw country.