Rev1 Ventures kicks off leadership transition, launches national search for next CEO
Following a decade that saw $7 billion in statewide economic impact and the opening of a 43,000-square-foot innovation hub at The Peninsula, Rev1 Ventures CEO Tom Walker will transition to Executive Chairman to focus on next-generation fund strategies.
After more than a decade leading Ohio’s most active venture studio, CEO Tom Walker will transition to the role of Executive Chairman by the end of 2026, Rev1 Ventures announced Tuesday. The move marks the start of a national search for a new CEO to guide the organization into its next era of growth, while current President and COO Kristy Campbell prepares for her own upcoming retirement.
Under a long-planned leadership evolution developed with the Board of Directors, Walker will remain CEO throughout the search process to ensure operational stability. As Executive Chairman, he will shift his primary focus toward capital efforts and next-generation fund strategies.
The transition strategy
The leadership evolution also involves Kristy Campbell, Rev1’s President and COO. Campbell, who has been instrumental in aligning founder services and successfully launching the firm’s new downtown hub, will continue to lead Rev1’s operations through the end of the year. She will then begin a transition toward retirement scheduled for 2027.
"This is the right time to bring in a new leader who can build upon what we’ve accomplished," Walker said. "My commitment to Rev1, our partners, and founders remains unchanged, and I will continue to guide the organization’s capital efforts while supporting the new CEO’s transition."
Why this matters for Ohio tech
The leadership change comes as Rev1 hits its stride. The organization recently opened Rev1 at The Peninsula, a 43,000-square-foot innovation hub in downtown Columbus. The impact metrics for the next leader to inherit are substantial:
- 1,400+: Startups supported since 2015.
- $7 Billion: Total economic impact generated across Ohio.
- $3.3 Billion: Economic impact in Ohio
- 150: Unique companies funded.
The search process
The Board has engaged executive search firm BeecherHill to identify a candidate with deep expertise in venture capital, startup growth, and ecosystem building. A new CEO is expected to be named by late summer, allowing for a seamless handoff through the end of the year.
Rev1 confirmed that day-to-day operations, including venture studio programming and investment activity, will continue uninterrupted during the search.
