Balyasny Asset Management Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Balyasny Asset Management has 10 executives leading key functions including investment strategy, financial operations, and human capital management.

Driven by a commitment to excellence, Balyasny Asset Management focuses on delivering consistent returns through deep research, advanced technology, and disciplined risk management, shaping opportunities across global financial markets.

Leadership Roles at Balyasny Asset Management

  • Chief Financial Officer - Joe Lanzillotti
  • Chief Operating Officer - Kevin Byrne
  • Chief Operating Officer, Macro - Christopher Chesney
  • Global Chief Operating Officer, Execution Services - Akash Handa
  • Equity Derivative Strategies COO - David Willcox
  • Group Chief Operating Officer, Client Relationship - Eric Fleming
  • Partner and Chief Operating Officer, Equities - Gustav Rydbeck
  • Chief of Staff - Christina Caimi
  • Managing Partner & Chief Investment Officer - Dmitry Balyasny
  • Chief People Officer - Thomas Gaissmaier
  • Joe Lanzillotti - Chief Financial Officer

    Joe Lanzillotti, the Chief Financial Officer at Balyasny Asset Management, manages the firm's financial operations and strategic fiscal planning. Overseeing all financial departments, Lanzillotti ensures robust accounting practices, treasury functions, and capital allocation align with the company's growth objectives. This critical role involves managing investor relations, financial reporting, and compliance with regulatory requirements across global markets. Joe Lanzillotti's expertise supports the firm's commitment to delivering consistent returns by maintaining financial stability and optimizing resource deployment. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to evaluating new investment opportunities from a financial perspective, ensuring Balyasny Asset Management's long-term fiscal health and operational efficiency.
    Joe Lanzillotti

    Kevin Byrne - Chief Operating Officer

    Kevin Byrne, the Chief Operating Officer at Balyasny Asset Management, oversees the firm's operational infrastructure and efficiency. Directing daily operations, Byrne ensures the seamless integration of advanced technology and disciplined risk management across all business functions. This leadership position involves optimizing workflows, managing vendor relationships, and enhancing operational scalability to support the firm's global investment activities. Kevin Byrne's strategic oversight is crucial for maintaining a performance-driven culture and enabling the investment teams to focus on identifying market opportunities. The Chief Operating Officer's role is central to Balyasny Asset Management's ability to deliver consistent returns by ensuring operational excellence and robust risk controls.
    Kevin Byrne

    Christopher Chesney - Chief Operating Officer, Macro

    Christopher Chesney, the Chief Operating Officer, Macro at Balyasny Asset Management, directs the operational execution for the firm's macro strategies. Overseeing the specific operational needs of macro trading desks, Chesney ensures the integration of advanced technology and disciplined risk management within this specialized sector. This role is critical for supporting the identification of opportunities and the consistent delivery of returns in complex global markets. Christopher Chesney's focus is on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of macro operations, enabling portfolio managers to concentrate on strategic investment decisions. The Chief Operating Officer, Macro's leadership ensures that Balyasny Asset Management's macro division operates with precision and agility.

    Akash Handa - Global Chief Operating Officer, Execution Services

    Akash Handa, the Global Chief Operating Officer, Execution Services at Balyasny Asset Management, leads the operational framework for the firm's trade execution. Managing global execution platforms, Handa ensures the seamless and efficient processing of trades across all asset classes, leveraging advanced technology and stringent risk controls. This position is vital for optimizing trading performance and supporting the firm's commitment to delivering consistent returns. Akash Handa's strategic direction enhances the speed and reliability of trade execution, directly impacting the firm's ability to capitalize on market opportunities. The Global Chief Operating Officer, Execution Services's oversight guarantees that Balyasny Asset Management maintains a competitive edge in trading operations.

    David Willcox - Equity Derivative Strategies COO

    David Willcox, the Equity Derivative Strategies COO at Balyasny Asset Management, manages the operational aspects of the firm's equity derivative trading. Overseeing the infrastructure and processes specific to derivative strategies, Willcox ensures the application of deep research and disciplined risk management in this complex area. This role is essential for supporting the identification of unique opportunities and the consistent generation of returns within equity derivatives. David Willcox's operational leadership enhances the firm's capacity to execute sophisticated derivative trades efficiently. The Equity Derivative Strategies COO's focus on operational excellence directly contributes to Balyasny Asset Management's success in specialized financial markets.

    Eric Fleming - Group Chief Operating Officer, Client Relationship

    Eric Fleming, the Group Chief Operating Officer, Client Relationship at Balyasny Asset Management, oversees the operational framework supporting client interactions and service delivery. Managing the systems and processes that facilitate client engagement, Fleming ensures a high level of service and responsiveness, aligning with the firm's performance-driven culture. This role is critical for maintaining strong institutional investor relationships and supporting the firm's objective of delivering consistent returns. Eric Fleming's operational leadership enhances the client experience, ensuring seamless communication and support. The Group Chief Operating Officer, Client Relationship's dedication to operational excellence reinforces Balyasny Asset Management's reputation for superior client service.

    Gustav Rydbeck - Partner and Chief Operating Officer, Equities

    Gustav Rydbeck, the Partner and Chief Operating Officer, Equities at Balyasny Asset Management, directs the operational strategy for the firm's equity division. Overseeing the specific operational requirements of equity trading desks, Rydbeck ensures the implementation of advanced technology and rigorous risk management protocols. This leadership position is vital for supporting the identification of investment opportunities and achieving consistent returns within the equities market. Gustav Rydbeck's operational expertise enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of equity trading operations, enabling portfolio managers to execute strategies with precision. The Partner and Chief Operating Officer, Equities's focus drives operational excellence throughout Balyasny Asset Management's equity business.
    Gustav Rydbeck

    Christina Caimi - Chief of Staff

    Christina Caimi, the Chief of Staff at Balyasny Asset Management, provides strategic support and operational coordination across the executive leadership team. Facilitating communication and driving key initiatives, Caimi ensures alignment with the firm's mission of delivering consistent returns through deep research and advanced technology. This role involves managing special projects, optimizing internal processes, and enhancing the performance-driven culture. Christina Caimi's efforts are instrumental in streamlining operations and supporting the strategic objectives of Balyasny Asset Management. The Chief of Staff's broad scope encompasses supporting various departments, ensuring efficient execution of the firm's investment strategies and fostering a collaborative environment.

    Dmitry Balyasny - Managing Partner & Chief Investment Officer

    Dmitry Balyasny, the Managing Partner & Chief Investment Officer at Balyasny Asset Management, directs the firm's overall investment strategy and portfolio management. Overseeing all investment teams, Balyasny ensures the execution of deep research and advanced technology to identify opportunities across equities, macro strategies, and quantitative trading. This leadership role involves setting the performance-driven culture and maintaining disciplined risk management across all market activities. Dmitry Balyasny's strategic vision guides the firm's pursuit of consistent returns for institutional investors, solidifying Balyasny Asset Management's market position. The Managing Partner & Chief Investment Officer's focus remains on optimizing investment performance and fostering innovation within the firm's diverse trading strategies.
    Dmitry Balyasny

    Thomas Gaissmaier - Chief People Officer

    Thomas Gaissmaier, the Chief People Officer at Balyasny Asset Management, leads the human capital strategy and organizational development initiatives. Overseeing all aspects of talent management, recruitment, and employee engagement, Gaissmaier cultivates the firm's performance-driven culture. This role is essential for attracting and retaining top talent, ensuring the firm has the expertise needed to deliver consistent returns through deep research and advanced technology. Thomas Gaissmaier's strategic approach to people operations supports Balyasny Asset Management's growth and fosters a collaborative work environment. The Chief People Officer's dedication to employee development is fundamental to the firm's long-term success and market impact.
    Thomas Gaissmaier

    Explore Leadership Teams in Finance

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Balyasny Asset Management Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Balyasny Asset Management?
    Balyasny Asset Management is led by Joe Lanzillotti (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Kevin Byrne (Chief Operating Officer) and Christopher Chesney (Chief Operating Officer, Macro).
    Who is part of Balyasny Asset Management’s executive team?
    The executive team of Balyasny Asset Management includes leaders such as Joe Lanzillotti (Chief Financial Officer), Kevin Byrne (Chief Operating Officer), Christopher Chesney (Chief Operating Officer, Macro) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Balyasny Asset Management have?
    Balyasny Asset Management has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Balyasny Asset Management’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Balyasny Asset Management includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Macro, Global Chief Operating Officer, Execution Services, Equity Derivative Strategies COO.