John Nives

John Nives is an AI & analytics executive and business builder with experience spanning private equity, enterprise software, and global enterprises. As a Lecturer in Columbia University’s M.S. Technology Management program, he teaches Digital Analytics: Driving Growth Through Data & AI, focused on enterprise AI adoption, analytics strategy, and data-driven value creation.

Previously, he served as a Private Equity Operating Partner at Gridiron Capital, where he established the firm’s Data & AI Center of Excellence supporting deal sourcing, diligence, portfolio value creation, and investment intelligence across an $8B AUM private equity platform. He also served as Chief Data & Analytics Officer for an Apollo Global Management-backed SaaS portfolio company, leading enterprise analytics modernization and AI adoption initiatives.

He currently serves as Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Dextera, an AI-native private-market intelligence platform focused on investment intelligence, deal sourcing, and network-driven execution for private equity firms and family offices. In addition, he advises investment teams and portfolio companies on AI strategy, analytics modernization, and operational transformation initiatives.

Prior to private equity, he held senior leadership positions at IBM, Nielsen, Circana, and Kraft Foods, leading global data, analytics, digital transformation, and AI initiatives. Throughout his career, he has built and scaled analytics-driven businesses, commercialized AI platforms, and led enterprise transformation programs across Fortune 500 companies and growth-stage organizations.

He holds an MBA in Finance & Computer Science from Pace University and a B.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University at Buffalo.