John Owens joins qashqade

In this article

qashqade, the leader in allocation management, today announced that John Owens has joined the company as Chief Operating Officer. Based in Zurich at qashqade’s headquarters, he will work closely with CEO Oliver Freigang to lead the company’s global operations as it continues to scale.

John Owens brings international experience across Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific, where he led major transformation initiatives at leading financial services institutions, including UBS and Deutsche Bank. Most recently, he served as Executive Director and Crew Product Lead for AML Transaction Monitoring within UBS’s Financial Crime Prevention function in Zurich, following senior transformation and change leadership roles in New York.

He excels at breaking down complex problems, driving data-led solutions, and building high-performing teams in fast-paced, client-focused environments. A collaborative leader, he prioritizes clear communication and empowerment, delivering results while developing talent and fostering a culture of accountability and shared success.

In this role, John will oversee qashqade’s day-to-day operations, working with teams across the company’s Zurich, New York, London, and Budapest offices to strengthen execution as the company grows.

Oliver Freigang, CEO of qashqade, states:

“John’s track record leading complex, large-scale transformation programs at some of the world’s top financial institutions makes him exactly the right leader to help scale our operations as we grow. His combination of operational discipline and genuine care for building strong teams will be invaluable as we deepen our presence across new markets.”

John Owens comments on his appointment:

“qashqade is redefining how private markets manage some of their most complex and consequential calculations, and I saw firsthand the rigour and ambition behind that mission. I’m excited to join a team so focused on building scalable, transparent solutions for GPs, LPs, and fund administrators, and to help shape the next stage of the company’s growth.”

What to Read Next

Private Markets Technology: Buy or Build?

In 2023, we made the case against building private markets tech in-house. That case still holds but AI has changed the calculus. We revisit build-vs-buy through a 2026 lens, and add a dimension our original piece didn't cover: the compliance, operational, and LP-facing risk that any build must own.

qashqade 26.0.0: Sharper insight, enhanced usability

Release 26.0.0 gives your teams sharper insight and stronger control across every stage of allocation management: a new, configurable Reporting module, risk-free scenario simulation, a strengthened calculation engine, clearer visibility across vehicles and partners, and tighter event governance all arrive in this release.

Behind the Waterfall: Paul Foley

In this edition of Behind the Waterfall, we speak with Paul Foley, CTO of qashqade. Paul talks about what that unusually global, cross-sector path teaches you about building mission-critical systems, and why he doesn't see innovation, stability and security as competing objectives.

Private Markets Technology: Buy or Build?

In 2023, we made the case against building private markets tech in-house. That case still holds but AI has changed the calculus. We revisit build-vs-buy through a 2026 lens, and add a dimension our original piece didn't cover: the compliance, operational, and LP-facing risk that any build must own.

qashqade 26.0.0: Sharper insight, enhanced usability

Release 26.0.0 gives your teams sharper insight and stronger control across every stage of allocation management: a new, configurable Reporting module, risk-free scenario simulation, a strengthened calculation engine, clearer visibility across vehicles and partners, and tighter event governance all arrive in this release.

Press Contact

For press enquires please email us at