2U Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

2U has 5 executives leading key functions including technology, operations, finance, legal, and human resources.

Driven by a commitment to expanding access to higher education, 2U empowers individuals globally through innovative online learning solutions, fostering career advancement and personal development.

Leadership Roles at 2U

  • Chief Financial Officer - Arun Shivdasani
  • Chief Technology Officer - Aref Matin
  • Chief of Staff - Laura Prahlad
  • Chief Legal Officer - Lillian Brownstein
  • Chief People Officer - Adam Drudge
  • Arun Shivdasani - Chief Financial Officer

    Arun Shivdasani, the Chief Financial Officer at 2U, directs the company's financial strategy and operations. Shivdasani oversees all aspects of financial planning, accounting, treasury, and investor relations, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainable growth. This leadership role is critical in managing the financial health of 2U's two primary segments: Degree Programs and Alternative Credentials, supporting their expansion into new markets and program offerings. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include optimizing capital allocation, driving revenue growth, and maintaining strong financial controls to support the company's mission of democratizing education. By providing strategic financial insights, Arun Shivdasani enables informed decision-making across the organization, reinforcing 2U's position as a leader in online education technology and services. Shivdasani's financial acumen is essential for navigating the complexities of the global education market and achieving long-term value creation.
    Arun Shivdasani

    Aref Matin - Chief Technology Officer

    Aref Matin, the Chief Technology Officer at 2U, directs the company's technological vision and infrastructure. Matin oversees the development and implementation of the core technology platforms that power 2U's degree programs and alternative credential offerings. This leadership involves ensuring the scalability, security, and reliability of the online education delivery systems, directly supporting the company's mission to provide accessible, high-quality education globally. The Chief Technology Officer's role includes driving innovation in educational technology, enhancing the user experience for students and university partners, and managing the engineering and product development teams. By architecting robust technological solutions, Matin ensures 2U can effectively serve a growing international student base and maintain its competitive edge in the digital learning landscape. Aref Matin's strategic guidance is crucial for the continuous evolution of 2U's technological capabilities, enabling expanded reach and operational efficiency across all its offerings.
    Aref Matin

    Laura Prahlad - Chief of Staff

    Laura Prahlad, the Chief of Staff at 2U, provides strategic operational support and drives key initiatives across the organization. Prahlad works closely with executive leadership to align departmental goals with the company's overarching mission of expanding access to online education. This role involves facilitating cross-functional collaboration, managing special projects, and ensuring efficient execution of strategic priorities. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include streamlining internal processes, enhancing communication channels, and supporting the Chief Executive Officer in driving organizational effectiveness. By coordinating efforts across various business units, Laura Prahlad ensures that 2U's operations effectively support its growth objectives in both degree programs and alternative credential segments. Prahlad's focus on operational excellence directly contributes to 2U's ability to deliver innovative learning solutions to students worldwide and strengthen partnerships with educational institutions.
    Lillian Brownstein, the Chief Legal Officer at 2U, leads the company's legal affairs and ensures compliance with all relevant regulations. Brownstein oversees the legal framework supporting 2U's operations, including its partnerships with nonprofit colleges and universities for degree programs and alternative credential offerings. This critical role involves managing corporate governance, intellectual property, contracts, and risk mitigation strategies to safeguard the company's interests. The Chief Legal Officer's responsibilities extend to advising executive leadership on legal implications of business decisions, particularly concerning online education delivery, data privacy, and international expansion. By providing expert legal counsel, Lillian Brownstein supports 2U's mission to expand access to education while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and compliance. Brownstein's strategic legal guidance is fundamental to 2U's sustained growth and its ability to operate effectively in the complex global educational landscape.

    Adam Drudge - Chief People Officer

    Adam Drudge, the Chief People Officer at 2U, directs the company's human capital strategy and fosters a positive organizational culture. Drudge oversees all aspects of talent management, including recruitment, employee development, compensation, and benefits, ensuring 2U attracts and retains top talent essential for its mission. This leadership role is pivotal in supporting the growth of both the Degree Program and Alternative Credential segments by building a skilled and engaged workforce. The Chief People Officer's responsibilities include championing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and developing programs that enhance employee well-being and professional growth. By cultivating a strong people-centric environment, Adam Drudge directly contributes to 2U's ability to innovate and deliver exceptional online learning experiences to students worldwide. Drudge's strategic approach to human resources is integral to 2U's operational success and its commitment to its employees and partners.
    Adam Drudge

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding 2U Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads 2U?
    2U is led by Arun Shivdasani (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Aref Matin (Chief Technology Officer) and Laura Prahlad (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of 2U’s executive team?
    The executive team of 2U includes leaders such as Arun Shivdasani (Chief Financial Officer), Aref Matin (Chief Technology Officer), Laura Prahlad (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does 2U have?
    2U has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in 2U’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of 2U includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Legal Officer, Chief People Officer.