Exponent appoints former Ireland Rugby Captain Johnny Sexton as Senior Advisor to its portfolio and team

• Sexton has a wealth of experience leading and coaching teams to success at the highest level
• He will work hands-on within Exponent and with its portfolio companies’ management teams on sustainable performance and leadership

Dublin and London, 16 October 2025 – Exponent, a leading European private equity firm, has appointed former Ireland Rugby captain Johnny Sexton as a senior advisor. One of the foremost sporting leaders of his generation, Sexton will bring unique and transferable perspectives on leadership, team building and performance to Exponent and its portfolio.

In his role, Sexton will draw on his experience and insight as both a player and coach for Ireland Rugby and the British & Irish Lions to advise and support portfolio company leaders on individual and team performance, learning from setbacks and communication. Sexton will also work at an individual and team level within Exponent to mentor and provide counsel to colleagues on their own development.

Sexton’s commitment to continuous learning, improvement, and helping teams achieve their best in a sustainable way aligns closely with Exponent’s approach to supporting portfolio companies. Exponent focuses on revenue-driven growth levers that are within a business's control, and ensuring management teams have the support and resources they need to achieve their aims.

Johnny Sexton said: “I am excited to partner with Exponent, whose focus on people and on doing things in a different, more sustainable way stood out for me. Over my sports career, my principal focus both as a player and a coach has always been on how I could get the best out of my myself and my teammates to improve team performance. During these years, I learned that to sustain that high performance it is important to incorporate overall wellbeing and to prioritise reviews and recovery. I believe this experience is complementary to Exponent’s approach and look forward to working hands-on with their team and portfolio companies.”

David McGovern, Partner at Exponent, said: “We welcome Johnny to Exponent. He brings unique experience, alongside practical perspectives on leadership and performance which will benefit the management teams we work with, as well as our colleagues at Exponent. His passion for getting the best out of people and his holistic approach to performance are complementary to our ambition to be a thoughtful and innovative partner to our portfolio and provide a supportive environment for our colleagues.”