Lexi Reese

Lexi Reese is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Lanai Software, a company she started in 2023 alongside Steve Herrod. Lanai Software focuses on providing a platform that combines security and enablement specifically for Generative AI, aiming to facilitate the integration of AI tools in the workplace while ensuring safety and productivity for employees.23

Professional Background

Lexi has nearly two decades of experience in leadership roles across various sectors, including technology and finance. Prior to founding Lanai, she served as the Chief Operating Officer at Gusto from 2015 to 2021, where she played a significant role in expanding the company’s workforce and customer base dramatically. Under her leadership, Gusto grew from about 100 to over 1,500 employees and increased its annual recurring revenue from $10 million to nearly $300 million.34

Before Gusto, Lexi held several key positions at Google, including Vice President of Global Programmatic Platforms, where she managed substantial growth in advertising revenue. She also worked at American Express in various roles, including Senior Director of Marketing, Sales, and Operations.123

Education and Advocacy

Lexi is a graduate of Harvard Business School and has been actively involved in public service, including running as a candidate for the U.S. Senate in California in 2023, focusing on issues such as financial insecurity and quality of life improvements.34 She has also been an Executive in Residence at General Catalyst, where she explored the implications of AI on labor and workplace dynamics.23

Vision for Lanai

At Lanai, Lexi aims to empower organizations to leverage AI effectively while maintaining a focus on privacy and employee support. She describes the widespread adoption of Generative AI as part of a "fourth industrial revolution," emphasizing the need for specialized infrastructure to navigate this shift responsibly.24