2U Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

2U has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, technology, legal, people, and operations.

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 Executive Officer - Matsuoka K
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Christopher Paucek
  • Chief Financial Officer - Arun Shivdasani
  • President - Paul DeGaeta
  • Chief of Staff - Laura Prahlad
  • Chief Technology Officer - Aref Matin
  • Chief Legal Officer - Lillian Brownstein
  • Chief People Officer - Adam Drudge
  • Matsuoka K - Chief Executive Officer

    Matsuoka K, the Chief Executive Officer at 2U, directs the company's overarching strategic vision and operational execution. This leadership role involves guiding the organization's expansion across both the Degree Program and Alternative Credential segments, ensuring alignment with market demands for online education. Matsuoka K oversees the integration of technology and services that enable nonprofit colleges and universities to deliver high-quality online degree programs, targeting undergraduate and graduate students. Furthermore, Matsuoka K drives the strategy for the Alternative Credential segment, which encompasses online courses, executive education, and skills-based boot camps designed for career reskilling and upskilling. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on enhancing 2U's platform capabilities and expanding the reach of edX.org, a critical marketplace for diverse online learning opportunities. This executive ensures the company's continued growth and impact in the global education landscape.

    Christopher Paucek - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Christopher Paucek, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at 2U, established the company's foundational mission to transform higher education through technology. This leadership position involves setting the strategic direction for both degree programs and alternative credentials, ensuring 2U's innovative approach meets evolving global educational needs. Christopher Paucek guides the development and expansion of online degree offerings in partnership with nonprofit colleges and universities, serving students seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer also champions the growth of the Alternative Credential segment, which provides accessible online courses, executive education, and intensive boot camps for professional development and career advancement. Through this dual focus, Christopher Paucek drives the company's commitment to democratizing access to quality education and empowering individuals worldwide via the edX.org platform.

    Arun Shivdasani - Chief Financial Officer

    Arun Shivdasani, the Chief Financial Officer at 2U, directs all financial operations and strategic financial planning for the organization. This executive leadership role is crucial for managing the fiscal health of both the Degree Program and Alternative Credential segments, ensuring sustainable growth and profitability. Arun Shivdasani oversees budgeting, forecasting, capital allocation, and investor relations, providing critical financial insights to guide business decisions. The Chief Financial Officer is instrumental in securing funding for new initiatives and optimizing financial structures to support 2U's expansion into new markets and educational offerings. By meticulously managing financial resources and identifying opportunities for fiscal efficiency, Arun Shivdasani ensures the company's long-term viability and its capacity to invest in innovative online education solutions delivered through its platform and edX.org.
    Arun Shivdasani

    Paul DeGaeta - President

    Paul DeGaeta, the President at 2U, holds a significant leadership position responsible for driving key operational aspects and strategic initiatives across the organization. This role involves overseeing the execution of business plans for both the Degree Program and Alternative Credential segments, ensuring alignment with the company's overall mission. Paul DeGaeta works closely with other executive leaders to enhance the delivery of technology and services to nonprofit colleges and universities, thereby expanding access to online degree programs. The President also focuses on optimizing the performance of the Alternative Credential segment, which includes executive education and skills-based boot camps, targeting individuals seeking career advancement. By ensuring operational excellence and fostering strategic partnerships, Paul DeGaeta contributes directly to 2U's growth and its impact on global education through the edX.org platform.

    Laura Prahlad - Chief of Staff

    Laura Prahlad, the Chief of Staff at 2U, provides critical strategic support and operational oversight to the executive leadership team. This role involves coordinating key initiatives across departments, ensuring seamless execution of the company's strategic objectives in both degree programs and alternative credentials. Laura Prahlad facilitates communication and alignment between various functional areas, including technology, finance, and legal, to drive efficiency and innovation. The Chief of Staff plays a pivotal part in managing special projects and ensuring that the company's mission of expanding access to online education is effectively translated into actionable plans. By streamlining operations and enhancing cross-functional collaboration, Laura Prahlad directly contributes to the successful delivery of 2U's technology-enabled services and the growth of its edX.org marketplace.

    Aref Matin - Chief Technology Officer

    Aref Matin, the Chief Technology Officer at 2U, architects and oversees the company's entire technology infrastructure and innovation roadmap. This executive leadership position is fundamental to delivering the cutting-edge technology and services that power 2U's online education platform, supporting both degree programs and alternative credentials. Aref Matin guides the development and enhancement of the technology solutions that enable nonprofit colleges and universities to offer robust online learning experiences. The Chief Technology Officer also drives the technological advancements for edX.org, ensuring a seamless and engaging user experience for learners accessing a vast catalog of courses and degrees. By focusing on scalability, security, and user-centric design, Aref Matin ensures 2U remains at the forefront of educational technology, facilitating effective and accessible online learning globally.
    Aref Matin
    Lillian Brownstein, the Chief Legal Officer at 2U, provides comprehensive legal counsel and oversees all legal affairs for the organization. This executive leadership role is vital for navigating the complex regulatory landscape of online education and ensuring compliance across all business operations, including degree programs and alternative credentials. Lillian Brownstein manages intellectual property, contracts, corporate governance, and risk management, safeguarding the company's interests. The Chief Legal Officer advises on legal implications related to partnerships with nonprofit colleges and universities, as well as the terms of service for learners utilizing the edX.org platform. By ensuring adherence to legal standards and mitigating potential risks, Lillian Brownstein supports 2U's mission to expand access to education while maintaining the highest ethical and legal integrity.

    Adam Drudge - Chief People Officer

    Adam Drudge, the Chief People Officer at 2U, leads all human resources functions and cultivates the company's organizational culture. This executive leadership role is essential for attracting, developing, and retaining the talent necessary to drive 2U's mission of transforming higher education. Adam Drudge oversees talent acquisition, employee engagement, compensation and benefits, and professional development programs across both the Degree Program and Alternative Credential segments. The Chief People Officer ensures that 2U fosters an inclusive and high-performing work environment that supports innovation and collaboration. By prioritizing employee well-being and growth, Adam Drudge strengthens the internal capabilities required to deliver exceptional online learning experiences and expand the reach of the edX.org platform, aligning people strategies with the company's strategic goals.
    Adam Drudge

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding 2U Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads 2U?
    2U is led by Matsuoka K (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Christopher Paucek (Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and Arun Shivdasani (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of 2U’s executive team?
    The executive team of 2U includes leaders such as Matsuoka K (Chief Executive Officer), Christopher Paucek (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Arun Shivdasani (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does 2U have?
    2U has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in 2U’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of 2U includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Chief of Staff.