John Soukas is a distinguished investment executive, entrepreneur, and leader with over three decades of experience in global financial markets and hedge fund management. Known for his ability to balance science with art in investment decision-making, he has made a significant impact across various sectors, ranging from traditional fixed-income portfolios to transformative climate technologies. As the CEO and Co-Founder of Norfolk Green Ventures and President of Quan Capital Advisors, John is now leading the charge on pioneering investment opportunities, particularly in the field of sustainable, high-impact solutions related to seaweed. His extensive career history includes senior roles at prestigious firms like Wellington Management, FairLane Asset Management, West End Capital, and Deutsche Bank Securities, where he developed a track record of success even during the most turbulent market environments.
At Norfolk Green Ventures, John is at the helm of an investment firm focused on unlocking the potential of the ocean, with a focus on seaweed and blue tech innovation. Seaweed is an unsung hero of the ocean, but could be the most transformative crop of our lifetime . It sequesters carbon and nitrogen at an unparalleled rate and with the right combination of research, capital, and innovative thinking, seaweed could tackle some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges—from mitigating climate change and reducing methane emissions in livestock to creating sustainable alternatives for textiles and eliminating single-use plastics. Through this venture, John is bringing his financial expertise to support projects that can not only drive exceptional investment returns but also contribute to a more sustainable planet.
As the founder of Quan Capital Advisors, John applies his broad-ranging expertise to a family office investment platform, blending his analytical skills with creative solutions to provide world-class investment advice. His experience spans various industries and asset classes, drawing from a career rooted in both macroeconomic analysis and quantitative strategies.
John’s tenure at Wellington Management, where he served as Partner and Hedge Fund Portfolio Manager from 2006 until his recent retirement in 2024, remains one of the most defining periods of his career. A senior leader in the firm’s global fixed income and hedge fund business, he played an integral role in building out Wellington’s multi-product, multi-strategy investment platform. His contributions were pivotal in growing the firm’s assets under management (AUM) fivefold and exponentially expanding its fixed income hedge fund business . Additionally, as a long-serving member of the Global Risk Committee, John developed and implemented strategies for capital allocation and risk management, and his leadership was instrumental during market crises such as those in 2008, 2011, 2015, 2018, and 2022.
Before joining Wellington, John co-founded FairLane Asset Management and managed a successful hedge fund platform. He also honed his skills at West End Capital and Deutsche Bank Securities, where he held prominent roles in fixed income trading and proprietary trading. His early career began at RBC Capital Markets, where he earned global recognition as a top economist and was ranked #1 for Canadian Investment Ideas in the Greenwich Survey.
John’s academic background includes a Master’s in Economics from the University of Toronto, providing a solid foundation for his analytical approach to investing. Outside of his professional work, he maintains an active interest in private investments, whiskey collecting, and philanthropy, with a particular focus on supporting the Special Forces community. In 2023, he was honored with the Naval Seal Legacy Foundation Patriot Award for his contributions to veterans’ causes.
A visionary in both finance and sustainability, John Soukas continues to lead transformative initiatives that balance financial returns with environmental impact, positioning him as a trailblazer in the evolving intersection of investment and climate solutions.
- Character: Demonstrates strong leadership and integrity, with a philanthropic commitment to the Special Forces community and recognition as the 2023 Naval Seal Legacy Foundation Patriot Honoree.
- Knowledge: Brings over three decades of expertise in global financial markets, hedge fund management, and macroeconomic analysis, underpinned by advanced academic training in economics.
- Strategic: Proven track record in developing and implementing successful multi-product, multi-strategy investment platforms, with expertise in risk management and capital allocation.
- Communication: Adept at articulating complex investment strategies and driving collaboration across diverse teams, evidenced by his leadership roles at prominent investment firms and his work in climate innovation.