2U Executive and Leadership Team

Kees Bol, the Chief Executive Officer at 2U, directs the overarching strategic vision for the online education platform. Bol manages the integration of the Degree Program and Alternative Credential segments to ensure seamless delivery of academic content for nonprofit partners. By overseeing global market expansion, the Chief Executive Officer drives the adoption of edX.org as a primary marketplace for learners seeking graduate degrees and technical boot camps. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine the long-term growth trajectory of the company. Kees Bol maintains a focus on scaling technology-enabled services to meet the evolving needs of universities and students. Through rigorous assessment of market trends, the Chief Executive Officer secures the competitive positioning of the organization within the international education landscape, ensuring that all operational initiatives align with the core mission of expanding educational access.

Arun Shivdasani, the Chief Financial Officer at 2U, governs the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies of the organization. Shivdasani monitors revenue streams across both the Degree Program and Alternative Credential segments to optimize profitability and resource distribution. By analyzing financial performance metrics, the Chief Financial Officer provides critical insights that inform investment in new technology and platform enhancements. Arun Shivdasani coordinates with other C-suite leaders to ensure that budgetary constraints support the aggressive growth targets of the company. This role involves managing investor relations and maintaining transparency regarding the financial impact of edX.org operations. Through disciplined oversight of expenditures and revenue forecasting, the Chief Financial Officer strengthens the balance sheet of the company. Shivdasani ensures that all financial reporting adheres to regulatory standards while simultaneously supporting the strategic objectives required to maintain a leading position in the global online education market.

Aref Matin, the Chief Technology Officer at 2U, architects the digital infrastructure that powers the online education platform. Matin oversees the development and maintenance of the technology-enabled services provided to nonprofit colleges and universities. By driving innovation within the edX.org marketplace, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that students experience a robust and scalable environment for accessing graduate degrees and skills-based boot camps. Aref Matin manages the engineering teams responsible for the stability and security of the platform across international markets. This leadership role involves aligning technical roadmaps with the broader business goals of the company to facilitate seamless delivery of online offerings. Through the implementation of advanced software solutions, the Chief Technology Officer enhances the user experience for both institutions and learners. Matin continuously evaluates emerging technologies to maintain the technical edge of the company in a competitive digital education sector.

Laura Prahlad, the Chief of Staff at 2U, synchronizes executive workflows and facilitates cross-departmental communication to ensure operational efficiency. Prahlad manages the execution of strategic priorities by coordinating efforts between the Degree Program and Alternative Credential segments. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief of Staff enables the leadership team to focus on high-impact initiatives such as the expansion of edX.org offerings. Laura Prahlad monitors the progress of key projects and ensures that all departments remain aligned with the overarching mission of the company. This role involves preparing briefings for the Board and facilitating decision-making processes that affect the entire organization. Through proactive management of executive schedules and priorities, the Chief of Staff optimizes the productivity of the C-suite. Prahlad maintains a clear view of the operational landscape, ensuring that resources are directed toward the most critical business objectives to support sustained growth and institutional partnerships.

Adam Drudge, the Chief People Officer at 2U, directs the human capital strategy to foster a high-performance culture across the organization. Drudge oversees talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational design to support the delivery of online education services. By implementing programs that attract and retain top-tier professionals, the Chief People Officer ensures that the company possesses the expertise required to manage complex university partnerships. Adam Drudge collaborates with other executives to align workforce capabilities with the evolving needs of the Degree Program and Alternative Credential segments. This leadership role involves cultivating an inclusive environment that drives innovation and operational excellence. Through the management of performance systems and compensation structures, the Chief People Officer incentivizes the achievement of corporate goals. Drudge maintains a focus on building a resilient workforce capable of navigating the challenges of the international education market while upholding the core values of the company.

Lillian Lardy, the Chief Legal Officer at 2U, manages the legal and regulatory framework governing the operations of the online education platform. Lardy oversees compliance with international education standards and protects the intellectual property of the company and its nonprofit partners. By providing counsel on contractual agreements for degree programs and technical boot camps, the Chief Legal Officer mitigates risk and ensures the integrity of all business transactions. Lillian Lardy coordinates with the executive team to navigate the complex legal landscape of the global education sector. This role involves managing litigation, regulatory inquiries, and corporate governance matters to safeguard the interests of the organization. Through the development of robust legal policies, the Chief Legal Officer supports the expansion of edX.org and other service offerings. Lardy ensures that all strategic initiatives remain within the bounds of applicable law, providing the stability necessary for the company to pursue its mission of expanding educational access.