NewCo Shift Forum — Speaker Spotlight
Just over a week ago, on January 1st 2017, Adena Friedman officially became the CEO of Nasdaq after climbing the ranks through the company for over 20 years. Most know Nasdaq as one of the largest stock exchanges in the world, but it’s also a diversified communications and information services company (check out this interview with Vice Chair Bruce Aust for more).
Friedman started as an intern with the company, and rose quickly to a number of different responsibilities, including serving as the head of the data products division, head of corporate strategy, and Chief Financial Officer. In 2011, she took a three year stint as CFO and Managing Director of The Carlyle Group, a private equity firm, before returning to Nasdaq as its President and COO in 2014.
Friedman is the first woman ever to run a major U.S. stock exchange, cementing her position as one of the most powerful women on Wall St and in the global financial services industry.
Friedman is the first woman ever to run a major U.S. stock exchange, cementing her position as one of the most powerful women on Wall St and in the global financial services industry.
As an exchange that has been central to the American economy for decades, Nasdaq has helped set the agenda for capital markets and influenced their direction, initially inventing electronic trading, and becoming the first North American exchange accepted into the UN’s global compact. The company also owns or powers exchanges in countries around the world, including in Europe and the Middle East. Friedman faces fresh challenges in her new role: The rise of blockchain, an uncertain regulatory environment under the new Trump administration, and challenges from agile fintech startups.
That’s why we’re excited to welcome Adena Friedman to speak at the NewCo Shift Forum in February, a multi-faceted conversation on capitalism at a crossroads. At the Shift Forum, Friedman will be discussing “The Modern Market,” focusing on how Nasdaq reinvented itself in the wake of technological change and what role the company can play in an increasingly automated global market. The exchange plays an important role in driving the shift towards a more sustainable, inclusive economy, an opportunity that Friedman takes seriously. “We strongly believe that exchanges can be vocal advocates for better markets and corporate practices,” Adena said.
“We strongly believe that exchanges can be vocal advocates for better markets and corporate practices,” Adena said.
With the unique vantage point of running a market that represents over $10 trillion across 18,000 clients, Adena will bring an important perspective to Shift Forum, where she’ll join 400 of the best minds in business, technology, and government, to help us explore a new compact between business and society. We’re now accepting applications for delegates, and we’d love for you to learn more and apply.
Join us for the NewCo Shift Forum, where 400 of the best minds in business, technology, and government will come together for two days of focused, action-oriented dialog.