John Gallagher is a seasoned executive with nearly four decades of experience in the financial technology and fixed-income sectors. His career is marked by transformative leadership, innovative platform development, and a commitment to fostering high-performing teams. John’s strategic vision and operational expertise have consistently driven growth and innovation across global markets.
John’s most notable tenure was at MarketAxess, a company he joined at its inception and helped grow into a leading S&P 500 firm with a market capitalization exceeding $11 billion. In his role as Head of U.S. Credit and Latin America Emerging Markets Sales, John managed a $90 million portfolio and led cross-functional teams that achieved a 30% increase in global dealer wallet share. Earlier, he also managed a $450 million portfolio, demonstrating his capacity to oversee substantial asset bases and optimize investment strategies. His leadership was instrumental in expanding the company’s global credit and emerging markets portfolio, enhancing revenue streams, and building cohesive teams aligned with business objectives.
Throughout his time at MarketAxess, John demonstrated a remarkable ability to build and scale trading platforms. He spearheaded the creation of a municipal bond trading platform that achieved $25 million in annual revenue and captured a 10% market share. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in developing DealerAxess and creating the DRFQ protocol—innovative initiatives that evolved into an almost $100 million revenue stream and significantly expanded MarketAxess’ digital trading capabilities. These innovations not only disrupted traditional markets but also introduced scalable digital trading solutions that reshaped institutional trading practices.
John’s leadership extended beyond product development to cultivating global sales teams and fostering a culture of excellence. He led teams ranging from 20 to 50 professionals across regions including Europe, Asia, and Latin America. His leadership style, characterized by mentorship, strategic clarity, and emotional intelligence, translated into sustained growth and innovation. John’s ability to lead with empathy and purpose earned him a reputation as a leader who uplifts both people and performance.
As Head of Global Investment Grade Credit & Municipal Bond Business, John drove average daily trading volumes from $650 million to $5.6 billion and increased annual revenues from $56 million to $400 million. He executed successful go-to-market strategies and oversaw P&L performance, ensuring that growth was both aggressive and sustainable. His leadership in acquiring and integrating MuniBrokers further exemplified his talent for enhancing product portfolios and boosting market presence.
Earlier in his career, John served as Head of Trading and Risk Management at Llama Capital, part of the Llama Company founded by Alice Walton. In this role, he navigated turbulent market conditions, liquidated complex portfolios, and advised on strategic investment decisions. This experience honed his resilience, sharpened his analytical instincts, and solidified his foundation in risk management—a quality that remained integral to his success at MarketAxess and beyond.
John holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a minor in German from Fairfield University. He also possesses multiple FINRA certifications, including Series 7, 24, 53, and 63, ensuring a robust regulatory understanding to complement his business leadership. His commitment to continuous learning reflects his belief in staying informed and ahead of industry trends.
Beyond his professional achievements, John is passionate about mentoring emerging leaders and sharing his knowledge to inspire others. Though he hasn’t served on formal boards, his extensive experience and advisory vision position him as an ideal candidate for board service. He is eager to leverage his expertise to guide strategic decisions, foster innovation, and champion organizational growth.
An avid golfer and skier, John thrives on physical activity, reflecting his professional philosophy of staying active, focused, and striving for excellence. He maintains a strong presence on LinkedIn, sharing insights and thought leadership with the broader business community.
John Gallagher is not just a veteran executive; he is a business builder, a team catalyst, and a market visionary. With 38 years of experience and a desire to contribute further, he is well-positioned to help companies—especially in fintech and technology—navigate complexity, unlock new opportunities, and achieve lasting success.
Character:
John’s leadership is rooted in integrity, resilience, and accountability. He inspires loyalty and excellence through transparent communication and steadfast commitment to team success.
Knowledge:
With decades of experience across sales, trading, and digital innovation, John brings deep market insight and a comprehensive understanding of both global and emerging markets.
Strategic:
John’s career is defined by bold, future-forward decisions that drive revenue growth and competitive advantage. He excels at aligning market dynamics with organizational vision to create transformative outcomes.
Communication:
A skilled communicator, John bridges executive vision and operational execution with clarity and precision. His stakeholder engagement style fosters trust, collaboration, and long-term relationships.
