Dr. Biplab Sarkar to retire after 25 years, passing the baton to Jason Pletcher, most recently chief operating and financial officer of GoCanvas
Global design and BIM software provider Vectorworks, Inc. has announced a significant leadership transition. Dr. Biplab Sarkar, chief executive officer (CEO), will retire in March 2025 after an impressive 25-year tenure. Jason Pletcher, chief operating officer and chief financial officer (CFO) at fellow Nemetschek brand, GoCanvas, will step into the CEO role.
Dr Sarkar oversaw Vectorworks stepping onto the global stage
Dr. Sarkar joined Vectorworks in 2000, initially as manager of geometry and rendering, and later became chief technology officer before being appointed CEO in 2016. Under his leadership, the company transformed into a global provider of innovative 3D design software, expanding to over 300 employees.
He was crucial in advancing Vectorworks as a leading solution for various design fields by modernizing the Vectorworks codebase, implementing best-in-class technology underpinnings, and developing them beyond industry standards.
As CEO, Dr. Sarkar also spearheaded the company’s international expansion into markets like the UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan while successfully guiding its transition to a subscription-based business model that fostered continued growth and technological innovation.
“On behalf of the Nemetschek Group, I extend my sincere gratitude to Biplab Sarkar for his visionary leadership and invaluable contributions. Over the past 25 years, he has been instrumental in Vectorworks’ success, driving innovation in the design and BIM industry. His passion, dedication, and strategic foresight have left a lasting impact, and we are immensely grateful for his leadership,” said Yves Padrines, CEO of the Nemetschek Group.
As Dr. Sarkar steps down, Vectorworks proudly welcomes Jason Pletcher as its new CEO
Pletcher brings a wealth of leadership experience, most recently serving as chief operating and financial officer at GoCanvas, where he was instrumental in nearly quadrupling the company’s business over five years. Prior to GoCanvas, he helped grow and shape Hobsons (EdTech) and Genscape (Energy Information) while serving as CFO. His career also includes 14 years at Capital One Financial, spanning operations, finance, product management, corporate development, and strategy. Pletcher began his career at Bain & Company, focusing on corporate strategy in the technology and telecommunications sectors.
“I am delighted to welcome Jason Pletcher as the new CEO of Vectorworks. With his global business experience, strong customer expertise, and familiarity with the Nemetschek Group, he is the ideal successor for this role. He will strengthen Vectorworks’ position in global markets and further enhance the ability to drive growth and innovation,” Yves Padrines commented.
Pletcher is poised to lead Vectorworks through its next phase of growth, building on the strong foundation established by Dr. Sarkar.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of Nemetschek’s GoCanvas business, and I am excited to start this new chapter with the Vectorworks team,” said Pletcher.
“Vectorworks is a rare find, possessing both class-leading solutions and a world-class culture. Good companies can acquire customers, but only exceptional businesses generate fans, and I am elated to join Vectorworks as we continue to grow and scale our global fanbase.”
