At SingleStore, we’re building an Enterprise AI platform and a multi-generational company. As customer demand accelerates for real-time analytics, hybrid transactional and analytical workloads, vector search, and AI-powered applications, we continue to invest in the leadership needed to scale.
We’re excited to welcome three new executives to the SingleStore leadership team: Elmer Lai as Chief Financial Officer, Jay Schaufeld as Chief Human Resources Officer, and Doug Appleton as General Counsel. Each brings deep experience, strong judgment, and a people-first mindset that aligns with where we’re headed as a company.
Elmer Lai, Chief Financial Officer
Elmer joins SingleStore as a seasoned SaaS finance leader with a proven track record of guiding technology companies through periods of rapid growth, strategic transformation, and major milestones. Over the course of his career, Elmer has played key financial leadership roles in successful exits at Click and Autotask and contributed to multiple IPOs, including HubSpot, Airvana, and i-Cube.
Beyond the numbers, Elmer is known for building high-performing finance organizations and mentoring future leaders—ten of his direct reports have gone on to become CFOs themselves. In his role at SingleStore, Elmer will lead global finance operations, drive financial strategy, and support the company’s continued expansion.
“Elmer has helped build and scale some of the most respected companies in tech,” said Raj Verma, CEO of SingleStore. “His experience, discipline, and leadership will be essential as we enter our next phase of growth.”
Jay Schaufeld, Chief Human Resources Officer
Jay joins SingleStore with more than two decades of global HR leadership experience across software, creative industries, and emerging technology companies. He has built and scaled People functions that support fast-growing organizations while preserving culture, clarity, and purpose.
Previously, Jay held leadership roles at Acoustic and Soundwide, where he led workforce planning, talent acquisition, and complex organizational integrations. Most recently, at HqO, he helped guide the company through rapid growth and a strategic transformation that culminated in a successful $60 million Series C funding round.
As CHRO, Jay will lead all aspects of talent strategy, culture, and organizational development at SingleStore.
“Jay is a thoughtful and strategic HR leader who knows how to build high-performing, values-driven organizations,” said Verma. “He will play a pivotal role in shaping the culture that fuels our long-term success.”
Doug Appleton, General Counsel
Doug joins SingleStore as General Counsel, bringing more than 20 years of corporate law experience from top law firms and in-house legal departments at both public and private companies. His background spans enterprise software, AI, health technology, sporting goods, sports technology, and real estate development.
In addition to his legal expertise, Doug brings eight years of executive management and business development experience in high-growth startups. That combination gives him a practical, business-oriented perspective on how innovative companies scale responsibly while managing risk.
As General Counsel, Doug will lead SingleStore’s legal, compliance, and corporate governance efforts globally.
“Doug brings a rare combination of legal depth, entrepreneurial instinct, and broad operational experience,” said Verma. “His guidance will be instrumental as we scale, innovate, and expand into new markets.”
Looking ahead
The addition of Elmer, Jay, and Doug reflects our continued commitment to building a durable, multi-generational technology company that pairs technical innovation with strong leadership, sound operations, and a culture that puts people first.
We’re thrilled to welcome them to SingleStore and look forward to the impact they’ll have as we continue to help customers build and scale real-time, intelligent applications.
