Lightspeed appoints Google's Samat, fintech veteran Almeida to board

Lightspeed Commerce Inc. (NYSE: LSPD) announced the appointment of two new board directors effective October 1, 2025. Sameer Samat, president of the Android Ecosystem at Google, and Odilon Almeida, a fintech executive with over 40 years of experience, will join the company's board of directors.

Samat currently leads global teams responsible for Android across mobile devices, wearables, automotive systems, televisions, and augmented/extended reality at Google. He previously served as a founding member of Google's Commerce team and was vice president for Google's Shopping and Travel search products. Before Google, he founded Mohomine, a cloud-based AI automation company acquired by Tungsten Automation.

Almeida brings experience from leadership roles across financial services, fintech, technology, and consumer goods sectors. He currently serves as managing principal of AJ Holdings and operating partner at Advent International. Previously, he was CEO of ACI Worldwide, a global payments software provider, and served as president of Western Union, overseeing a $5 billion consumer business across more than 200 countries and territories.

"Lightspeed is in its next phase of growth, and strengthening our Board is essential to this transformation," said Manon Brouillette, executive chair of Lightspeed's board. "Their perspectives will elevate our governance and help management deliver on the Company's ambitious vision."

The appointments coincide with the departure of two existing board members. Patrick Pichette will step down September 30, 2025, after seven years of service, including multiple terms as chair. Rob Williams will conclude his board service December 31, 2025, after more than seven years, including serving as chair of the company's Risk Committee.

Montreal-based Lightspeed operates a point-of-sale and payments platform serving retail and hospitality businesses in over 100 countries. The company is dual-listed on the New York Stock Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange.

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