John Semel has joined the firm in 2023.

He is an accomplished media executive with significant M&A experience. John’s breadth of experience spans digital media, education technology, social media, video, gaming, film, cable and media technology – all of which are sectors covered by Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips.

Over the past 25 years he has been Chief Operating Officer of Roar Social, a groundbreaking new platform in social media; Chief Strategy Officer of Zovio (NASDAQ: ZVO), a leading provider of online education technology services; Chief Strategy Officer of Mood Media, the largest global provider of in-store audio and visual solutions; EVP and Chief Strategy Officer of John Wiley & Sons where he acquired digital assets in online learning, software/SaaS and search-related companies; EVP Business Development at The Weinstein Company where he invested in the relaunch of Ovation Networks cable channel and made several acquisitions; VP Strategy and Business Development of MTV Networks; Director of Hearst Ventures; SVP of Investments US for eVerger; and, Vice President of Channel One Interactive which was the largest in-school broadcasting network. John began his career as an Associate at JP Morgan.

M.B.A., Harvard Business School

B.A., Brown University