Lou Schiavone is a distinguished C-level executive, leadership coach, and private equity advisor with more than four decades of experience driving operational excellence and strategic transformation across the technology and services landscape. Known for his unwavering commitment to business growth and organizational effectiveness, Lou has consistently brought visionary leadership to Fortune 50 corporations, private equity ventures, and entrepreneurial startups alike. His deep-seated belief in leading through transformation and value creation has left a lasting impact on the companies and teams he has steered.
Beginning his professional journey in 1982 with Digital Equipment Corporation, Lou quickly distinguished himself by overseeing multimillion-dollar outsourcing programs across the globe by managing over 1,200 employees and delivering consistent revenue performance, he developed a keen understanding of global operations and strategic client relationships. His early accomplishments set the foundation for a career defined by innovation, trust, and decisive leadership.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Lou held senior leadership roles at Entex, ContentGuard, and Hewlett-Packard, where he led pivotal transformations and multi-disciplinary teams. At HP, he directed the $1.3 billion Emergency Communication Transformation Program for New York City—one of the largest public safety initiatives in the country—coordinating efforts across 40 distinct projects and more than 50 third-party vendors. His aptitude for managing complexity and delivering results in mission-critical environments became a hallmark of his leadership style.
A pivotal chapter in Lou’s career unfolded with Xerox and its subsequent transition to Conduent. There, he took the reins of their Local Government Software group, unifying disparate business units under a cohesive strategic direction. Lou’s leadership was instrumental in enhancing operational efficiencies, improving time-to-market for product releases, and successfully executing the sale of business units to private equity—validating his capacity to navigate both strategic and transactional facets of enterprise growth.
Lou’s tenure at Avenu Insights & Analytics further exemplified his mastery in business transformation. As President, he oversaw eight business units and managed customer services for over 3,000 clients. He spearheaded the integration of acquired assets, revamped product roadmaps aligned with go-to-market strategies, and more than doubled channel revenue while reducing customer acquisition costs. His contributions not only improved financial performance but also reinforced Avenu’s reputation as a trusted leader in the GovTech space.
Today, Lou is the Principal at Gray Matters Management Consulting, offering fractional CEO services and strategic advisory to growth-stage companies and private equity firms. His work spans executive coaching, turnaround leadership, and M&A planning—always with a focus on maximizing enterprise value and cultivating leadership capability. Clients benefit not only from his industry acumen but also from his profound ability to build trust and alignment among stakeholders.
What sets Lou apart is his unique blend of technical insight, commercial savvy, and people-first leadership. He has a comprehensive understanding of the GovTech ecosystem and deep experience with IT product and service development, media, telecommunications, and generative AI. His career is punctuated by successful exits, high-impact board participation, and a steady commitment to excellence, whether operating in a Fortune 20 boardroom or advising a scaling startup.
As a speaker, Lou has shared his insights on product roadmaps and customer satisfaction at numerous internal and external engagements. He is a respected voice on topics ranging from digital transformation to leadership development, often called upon to mentor emerging executives and advise investor groups on value acceleration strategies.
Despite the impressive breadth of his professional life, Lou remains grounded in personal passions like playing the drums, painting and gardening—activities that reflect his appreciation for creativity, balance, and growth. His professional legacy is matched by his personal philosophy: to drive meaningful change, build resilient teams, and empower organizations to thrive long after his direct involvement.
With over 44 years of professional experience and an extraordinary record of shaping companies from within, Lou Schiavone embodies what it means to be a transformational leader. His journey from operations executive to boardroom strategist showcases the power of dedication, vision, and values-driven leadership.
Character:
Lou Schiavone is a principled leader known for his unwavering integrity and dedication to ethical decision-making. He fosters trust within organizations by promoting accountability, cultivating strong relationships, and empowering teams to excel.
Knowledge:
With over four decades of experience, Lou possesses deep expertise in enterprise operations, M&A, sales strategy, and GovTech innovation. His breadth of knowledge allows him to navigate complex business environments and offer strategic insights that drive sustainable growth.
Strategic:
Lou is a visionary thinker with a proven ability to develop and execute transformative strategies that enhance enterprise value. From leading divestitures to optimizing go-to-market frameworks, he consistently aligns tactical actions with long-term organizational goals.
Communication:
An articulate and persuasive communicator, Lou translates complex ideas into actionable plans that resonate across all levels of an organization. His ability to unify diverse stakeholders ensures clarity, alignment, and forward momentum in high-stakes environments.
