Artisan Partners Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Artisan Partners has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, global operations, information technology, credit management, and legal compliance.

Focused on delivering differentiated investment performance through autonomous teams, Artisan Partners maintains a commitment to research-driven active management across global equity, credit, and multi-asset portfolios for institutional and individual clients.

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
  • Managing Director - Ed Omata
  • 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 alignment of autonomous investment teams with long-term growth objectives, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the organization maintains its reputation for high-conviction, active management. This leadership role involves constant engagement with institutional stakeholders and the Board to refine the firm's global market positioning. By fostering an environment that attracts top-tier investment talent, Jason Gottlieb directly influences the firm's ability to generate differentiated performance across diverse asset classes. The Chief Executive Officer manages the integration of research-driven strategies into the broader business model, ensuring that the firm remains competitive in North American, European, and Asian markets. Ultimately, Gottlieb secures the operational integrity and financial health of the organization while upholding the core philosophy of decentralized, independent portfolio management.
    Jason Gottlieb

    Sam Sellers - Chief Operating Officer

    Sam Sellers, the Chief Operating Officer at Artisan Partners, manages the firm's internal operational scaling and administrative infrastructure. Overseeing the day-to-day business functions that support the firm's diverse investment teams, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that organizational processes remain agile and efficient. This leadership role involves optimizing resource allocation and operational workflows to support the firm's multi-asset investment capabilities. By refining the operational framework, Sam Sellers directly contributes to the firm's ability to maintain its autonomous team structure while achieving institutional-grade performance. The Chief Operating Officer coordinates with various departments to ensure compliance with global regulatory standards and internal governance policies. Through the management of firm-wide operational initiatives, Sellers supports the long-term stability of the business model, ensuring that the organization remains well-positioned to serve high-net-worth individuals and institutional clients across all international markets.
    Sam Sellers

    Michael Mazza - Chief Operating Officer, Credit Team

    Michael Mazza, the Chief Operating Officer, Credit Team at Artisan Partners, directs the operational logistics and strategic support for the firm's specialized credit investment strategies. Overseeing the unique requirements of credit-focused portfolio management, the Chief Operating Officer, Credit Team ensures that the team has the necessary resources to execute complex debt and alternative investment transactions. This leadership role involves managing the specific operational risks associated with credit markets and ensuring seamless integration with the firm's broader research capabilities. By optimizing the credit team's internal processes, Michael Mazza directly impacts the performance and scalability of these specific investment solutions. The Chief Operating Officer, Credit Team collaborates with other leadership to align credit strategies with the firm's overall mission of active, differentiated management. Through meticulous oversight of credit-specific operations, Mazza supports the firm's ability to deliver consistent results for institutional investors and retirement plans.

    Jeff Rittershofer - Chief Information Officer

    Jeff Rittershofer, the Chief Information Officer at Artisan Partners, architects the technological infrastructure required to support complex, global investment operations. Overseeing the development of proprietary data analytics and secure trading platforms, the Chief Information Officer ensures that investment teams possess the tools necessary for high-performance research and execution. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols and digital transformation initiatives that protect the firm's intellectual property and client data. By streamlining internal workflows through advanced technology, Jeff Rittershofer directly enhances the efficiency of the firm's decentralized investment model. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to integrate scalable systems that support operations across North America, Europe, and Asia. Through the implementation of robust IT frameworks, Rittershofer maintains the technological edge required for the firm to deliver consistent, research-driven investment results in a competitive global landscape.
    Jeff Rittershofer
    Laurie Simpson, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel at Artisan Partners, directs the firm's legal strategy, regulatory compliance, and risk management framework. Overseeing the legal aspects of global investment operations, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel ensures that the firm adheres to complex international financial regulations across North America, Europe, and Asia. This leadership role involves providing counsel on corporate governance, investment product development, and contractual obligations for institutional clients. By mitigating legal risks and ensuring ethical standards, Laurie Simpson directly protects the firm's reputation and operational continuity. The Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel works closely with the Board and executive leadership to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape of the asset management industry. Through the implementation of rigorous compliance programs, Simpson maintains the integrity of the firm's autonomous investment structure and supports the long-term interests of all stakeholders.

    Ed Omata - Managing Director

    Ed Omata, the Managing Director at Artisan Partners, drives the execution of business development initiatives and client relationship management across international markets. Overseeing the expansion of the firm's footprint in the Middle East and Australia, the Managing Director ensures that institutional investors receive tailored access to the firm's specialized investment strategies. This leadership role involves coordinating with various portfolio management teams to communicate the value of active, research-driven investment solutions. By optimizing client engagement processes, Ed Omata directly impacts the firm's asset gathering and retention efforts. The Managing Director monitors market trends to identify new opportunities for growth, ensuring that the firm's multi-asset capabilities remain aligned with the evolving needs of sovereign institutions and retirement plans. Through rigorous oversight of regional business activities, Omata strengthens the firm's global presence and supports the long-term sustainability of the investment platform.

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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 6 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.