Jonathan Visbal joined Spencer Stuart in 1999 and led the firm’s Silicon Valley office from 2000 to 2006. He led the firm’s global Technology, Communications & Media Practice from 2006 to 2009, and serves as a member of Spencer Stuart’s board of directors. Jonathan specializes in senior-level assignments in the technology and communications arena and focuses on the globalization of businesses via new technologies. He thrives on being on the leading edge of technology and is extremely knowledgeable in helping companies develop new computing, networking, and wireless communications capabilities. He pioneered the firm’s entry into clean/green technology, cloud computing and mobile applications.
His assignments span the functions of board director, CEO, and senior executive management. Jonathan has successfully completed assignments with such companies as Calix Networks, Equinix, Hewlett-Packard, Juniper Networks, Microsoft, Netgear, Plantronics, Symantec, Tekelec and VeriSign. Jonathan also enjoys working with venture capitalists and private equity firms in recruiting world caliber talent to their innovative portfolio companies.
Jonathan knows the language of the technology world due to his experience prior to joining Spencer Stuart. Formerly, Jonathan held the role of vice president of international business development at Lucent Technologies. He also worked at Octel Communications for 10 years in a variety of sales and marketing positions, including vice president of marketing, director of European telecom sales, and group product manager. He was one of the founders of Octel's Europe, Middle East and Africa operations in London. Jonathan started his career in telecommunications with AT&T and Pacific Telesis International.
Jonathan holds an M.B.A. from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a B.A. degree from the University of Colorado in international affairs and economics. He has taught a course in managerial ethics at Stanford University and has served as an adjunct professor at the University of San Francisco. Jonathan has lived in Europe and Latin America, is fluent in English and Spanish and has a working knowledge of French and Portuguese.