Artisan Partners Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Artisan Partners has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, operations, credit management, and legal compliance.

Focused on autonomous investment teams and research-driven performance, Artisan Partners delivers specialized active investment solutions to institutional clients and high-net-worth individuals across global markets.

Leadership Roles at Artisan Partners

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jason Gottlieb
  • Chief Operating Officer - Sam Sellers
  • Chief Operating Officer, Credit Team - Michael Mazza
  • Chief Information Officer - Jeff Rittershofer
  • Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel - Laurie Simpson
  • Jason Gottlieb - Chief Executive Officer

    Jason Gottlieb, the Chief Executive Officer at Artisan Partners, directs the overarching strategic vision and corporate governance of the firm. Overseeing the autonomous investment team structure, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that research-driven investment philosophies remain central to all global equity and multi-asset strategies. This leadership role involves maintaining the firm's reputation for differentiated investment performance across North America, Europe, and Asia. By fostering an environment that attracts top-tier investment talent, Jason Gottlieb drives the long-term growth of the organization. The Chief Executive Officer coordinates with the Board to align institutional portfolio management objectives with the evolving needs of sovereign institutions and retirement plans. Through rigorous oversight of the firm's decentralized research capabilities, Gottlieb secures the competitive market position of the company. This executive leadership ensures that the firm continues to provide high-quality wealth management services while maintaining the operational independence of each distinct investment team.
    Jason Gottlieb

    Sam Sellers - Chief Operating Officer

    Sam Sellers, the Chief Operating Officer at Artisan Partners, manages the internal operational scaling and administrative efficiency of the firm. Overseeing the business processes that support diverse multi-asset investment capabilities, the Chief Operating Officer ensures seamless coordination between independent investment teams and corporate functions. This role involves streamlining the operational workflows required for managing mutual funds and alternative investments across North America, Australia, and the Middle East. By optimizing resource allocation, Sam Sellers drives the firm's ability to maintain its autonomous investment team structure while achieving institutional-grade performance. The Chief Operating Officer works closely with the executive team to refine the operational framework that supports the firm's long-term active portfolio management strategies. Through the implementation of standardized operational controls, Sellers enhances the firm's capacity to serve endowments and foundations. This leadership role ensures that the organization maintains its operational agility while scaling its global investment management platform.
    Sam Sellers

    Michael Mazza - Chief Operating Officer, Credit Team

    Michael Mazza, the Chief Operating Officer, Credit Team at Artisan Partners, directs the specific operational requirements for the firm's credit strategies and fixed-income portfolios. Overseeing the execution of complex credit-focused investment mandates, the Chief Operating Officer, Credit Team ensures that the research-driven philosophy remains consistent within the credit division. This role involves managing the specialized operational workflows necessary for navigating global credit markets and alternative investment vehicles. By aligning the credit team's internal processes with the firm's broader institutional portfolio management goals, Michael Mazza supports the delivery of differentiated investment performance. The Chief Operating Officer, Credit Team collaborates with portfolio managers to ensure that risk management and trade execution meet the highest standards for sovereign institutions and retirement plans. Through the optimization of credit-specific research and analytical tools, Mazza drives the growth of the firm's credit-focused assets. This leadership function ensures that the credit division maintains its competitive edge in the global marketplace.

    Jeff Rittershofer - Chief Information Officer

    Jeff Rittershofer, the Chief Information Officer at Artisan Partners, architects the digital infrastructure supporting global investment management operations. Managing the technological framework for research-driven investment strategies, the Chief Information Officer ensures data integrity and security across all international offices. This role involves deploying advanced analytical tools that empower autonomous portfolio management teams to execute complex credit strategies and global equity trades. By optimizing the firm's technological stack, Jeff Rittershofer enhances the efficiency of multi-asset investment capabilities for institutional investors and financial advisors. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to integrate scalable cloud solutions that support the firm's decentralized research model. Through the implementation of robust cybersecurity protocols, Rittershofer protects the sensitive financial data of high-net-worth individuals. This leadership function directly impacts the firm's ability to deliver consistent, high-performance results in a rapidly evolving global financial landscape.
    Jeff Rittershofer
    Laurie Simpson, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel at Artisan Partners, directs the legal strategy and regulatory compliance framework for the entire organization. Overseeing the legal aspects of global investment management, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel ensures that all active investment strategies and mutual fund offerings adhere to international regulatory standards. This role involves navigating the complex legal landscape across North America, Europe, and Asia to protect the firm's interests and those of its institutional clients. By providing expert guidance on corporate governance and fiduciary responsibilities, Laurie Simpson supports the firm's commitment to transparency and ethical investment practices. The Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel works with the Board and executive leadership to mitigate legal risks associated with alternative investments and global equity solutions. Through the management of regulatory filings and compliance programs, Simpson ensures the firm maintains its reputation for integrity. This leadership role is essential for the firm's continued success in the global asset management industry.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Artisan Partners Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Artisan Partners?
    Artisan Partners is led by Jason Gottlieb (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Sam Sellers (Chief Operating Officer) and Michael Mazza (Chief Operating Officer, Credit Team).
    Who is part of Artisan Partners’s executive team?
    The executive team of Artisan Partners includes leaders such as Jason Gottlieb (Chief Executive Officer), Sam Sellers (Chief Operating Officer), Michael Mazza (Chief Operating Officer, Credit Team) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Artisan Partners have?
    Artisan Partners has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Artisan Partners’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Artisan Partners includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Credit Team, Chief Information Officer, Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel.