Dave Rutkowski named CEO of Performance Improvement Partners

Dave Rutkowski, a 30-year veteran of consultancy Accenture, has joined Performance Improvement Partners, a Shelton, CT-based technology consulting firm focusing on private equity, as its chief executive officer.

John Bisack, formerly president of Performance Improvement Partners (PIP), takes on the title of founder, and will continue to serve as a managing director at Erie Street, the investment management firm that owns PIP.

“Dave is the right person to lead Performance Improvement Partners through its next evolution and stage of growth,” said Bisack. “He is a technology leader at heart, with an eye towards driving transformational change for clients and our business alike. I am thrilled to continue partnering with him as Performance Improvement Partners cements its position as the preferred technology partner for the private equity sector.”

As CEO, Rutkowski will oversee the firm’s strategic direction and growth as well as all operations of the business. He will particularly focus on fostering client relationships and building a cohesive corporate culture. Rutkowski will report to Jerry Graunke, president of Erie Street.

Rutkowski has three decades of experience in IT and management consulting at Accenture. He most recently served as managing director and Midwest region leader of the firm’s Industry X.0 practice – which supports manufacturers with solutions in Industry 4.0 and industrial internet of things (IIoT).

Rutkowski also held several other senior roles, including leader of the global IoT ecosystem at Accenture Digital, where he drove annual sales and revenue growth of more than 20%. He was also previously mobility (app development, connected devices) leader for the products operating group in North America.

Earlier in his career at Accenture, Rutkowksi held various client-facing roles in the sale and delivery of software technology and business process outsourcing solutions.

He holds an MS in materials science and a BS in ceramic engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

“Dave is a proven business builder, scaling emerging digital practices while helping his clients across the Fortune 500 digitally transform,” Graunke said. “He tackles challenges thoughtfully and pragmatically, making him the right person to lead Performance Improvement Partners through its next level of growth.”

PIP was founded in 2003 and helps private equity firms maximize the value of their portfolio companies through technology. The firm’s approximately 40-person team provides services in IT due diligence, technology transformation strategy, technology implementation and support, security, change management, and M&A strategy.

“The private equity market continues to prioritize operational investments to transform and grow their portfolio companies – and are increasingly leaning on technology as a key lever,” said Rutkowski. “Performance Improvement Partners is at the right place at the right time, and I strongly believe we are well-positioned to capitalize on this incredible market opportunity.”