Balyasny Asset Management Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Balyasny Asset Management has 10 executives leading key functions including investment strategy, operational oversight, financial management, risk mitigation, and human capital development.

Committed to delivering consistent returns through deep research and advanced technology, Balyasny Asset Management maintains a performance-driven culture that identifies opportunities across global financial markets.

Leadership Roles at Balyasny Asset Management

  • Chief Financial Officer - Joe Lanzillotti
  • Chief Operating Officer - Kevin Byrne
  • Chief Operating Officer, Risk Management - James Taneja
  • Chief Operating Officer, Macro - Chris 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
  • 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, oversees the firm's financial health, reporting standards, and capital structure. Managing the fiscal integrity of the organization, the Chief Financial Officer ensures transparency and compliance across all global operations. This leadership role involves directing financial planning, budgeting, and treasury functions to support the firm's investment activities. By providing critical financial insights, Joe Lanzillotti enables the executive team to make informed decisions regarding resource allocation and market expansion. The Chief Financial Officer maintains rigorous control over financial reporting, ensuring alignment with international regulatory requirements. Through the management of the firm's balance sheet, the Chief Financial Officer supports the long-term stability of the investment platform. This dedication to financial precision allows the firm to maintain a strong market position, providing the necessary capital foundation for the firm's diverse portfolio of equities, macro strategies, and quantitative trading initiatives.
    Joe Lanzillotti

    Kevin Byrne - Chief Operating Officer

    Kevin Byrne, the Chief Operating Officer at Balyasny Asset Management, manages the firm's internal infrastructure and business processes to ensure seamless execution of investment strategies. Overseeing the firm's operational framework, the Chief Operating Officer optimizes workflows to support global market activities. This leadership role involves streamlining administrative functions and enhancing the technological backbone required for high-frequency financial operations. By aligning internal resources with the firm's broader investment goals, Kevin Byrne improves organizational efficiency. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with the executive team to implement scalable solutions that accommodate rapid growth across international markets. Through the management of complex operational systems, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the stability necessary for sustained success. This focus on operational excellence allows the firm to navigate volatile market conditions while providing robust support for all investment teams, ultimately driving the firm's ability to deliver superior results for institutional clients.
    Kevin Byrne

    James Taneja - Chief Operating Officer, Risk Management

    James Taneja, the Chief Operating Officer, Risk Management at Balyasny Asset Management, architects the firm's risk mitigation frameworks to protect capital and ensure portfolio stability. Overseeing the identification and assessment of market risks, the Chief Operating Officer, Risk Management implements advanced monitoring systems across all asset classes. This leadership role involves developing stress-testing protocols and ensuring adherence to strict risk parameters. By providing real-time data to investment teams, James Taneja enables proactive adjustments to trading strategies. The Chief Operating Officer, Risk Management collaborates with the broader executive team to balance risk-taking with the firm's performance objectives. Through the continuous refinement of risk models, the Chief Operating Officer, Risk Management maintains the firm's resilience in complex financial environments. This focus on risk management supports the firm's mission to deliver consistent returns, ensuring that all investment activities remain within defined risk tolerances while maximizing opportunities for growth in global markets.

    Chris Chesney - Chief Operating Officer, Macro

    Chris Chesney, the Chief Operating Officer, Macro at Balyasny Asset Management, directs the operational activities supporting the firm's macro investment strategies. Overseeing the infrastructure required for global macro trading, the Chief Operating Officer, Macro ensures that investment teams possess the tools and data necessary to capitalize on international market shifts. This leadership role involves coordinating research workflows and optimizing the execution of macro-focused trades. By aligning operational support with the firm's macro research objectives, Chris Chesney enhances the efficiency of the investment process. The Chief Operating Officer, Macro works closely with the firm's quantitative and research departments to integrate new market insights into daily operations. Through the management of macro-specific resources, the Chief Operating Officer, Macro supports the firm's ability to navigate complex economic landscapes. This focus on operational precision ensures that the firm remains agile, allowing for the rapid deployment of capital in response to evolving global macroeconomic trends.

    Akash Handa - Global Chief Operating Officer, Execution Services

    Akash Handa, the Global Chief Operating Officer, Execution Services at Balyasny Asset Management, manages the firm's trading execution infrastructure and market connectivity. Overseeing the technology and processes that facilitate trade execution, the Global Chief Operating Officer, Execution Services ensures optimal performance across all financial markets. This leadership role involves enhancing the firm's access to liquidity and reducing transaction costs through advanced execution strategies. By directing the integration of high-performance trading systems, Akash Handa supports the firm's ability to execute complex orders with precision. The Global Chief Operating Officer, Execution Services collaborates with the firm's quantitative and equity teams to refine execution algorithms. Through the management of global execution services, the Global Chief Operating Officer, Execution Services maintains the firm's competitive advantage in market access. This focus on execution efficiency is critical to the firm's success, ensuring that investment strategies are implemented effectively across diverse global exchanges and asset classes.

    David Willcox - Equity Derivative Strategies COO

    David Willcox, the Equity Derivative Strategies COO at Balyasny Asset Management, directs the operational support for the firm's equity derivative trading desks. Overseeing the specialized infrastructure required for derivative products, the Equity Derivative Strategies COO ensures that trading teams have the necessary tools for complex hedging and speculative strategies. This leadership role involves managing the lifecycle of derivative trades and ensuring accurate valuation and risk reporting. By optimizing the operational workflows for equity derivatives, David Willcox enables the firm to maintain a high level of activity in these specialized markets. The Equity Derivative Strategies COO works with the firm's risk and technology departments to ensure that derivative operations remain robust and compliant. Through the management of these specific strategies, the Equity Derivative Strategies COO supports the firm's broader goal of delivering consistent returns. This focus on operational excellence in derivatives allows the firm to effectively manage market exposure and capture unique opportunities.

    Eric Fleming - Group Chief Operating Officer, Client Relationship

    Eric Fleming, the Group Chief Operating Officer, Client Relationship at Balyasny Asset Management, manages the firm's interactions with institutional investors and ensures the delivery of high-quality service. Overseeing the client-facing operations, the Group Chief Operating Officer, Client Relationship coordinates the communication of investment performance and strategy updates. This leadership role involves developing processes that enhance transparency and trust with the firm's investor base. By aligning client service initiatives with the firm's investment goals, Eric Fleming strengthens long-term partnerships. The Group Chief Operating Officer, Client Relationship collaborates with the investment and finance teams to provide comprehensive reporting and support for institutional clients. Through the management of client relationships, the Group Chief Operating Officer, Client Relationship ensures that the firm's value proposition is clearly communicated and maintained. This focus on client satisfaction is essential to the firm's growth, supporting the retention and expansion of the firm's institutional investor base across global markets.

    Gustav Rydbeck - Partner and Chief Operating Officer, Equities

    Gustav Rydbeck, the Partner and Chief Operating Officer, Equities at Balyasny Asset Management, directs the operational activities supporting the firm's extensive equity investment portfolios. Overseeing the research and trading infrastructure for equity strategies, the Partner and Chief Operating Officer, Equities ensures that investment teams have the resources to identify and act on market opportunities. This leadership role involves optimizing the workflow for equity research and ensuring the seamless execution of stock-based strategies. By aligning operational support with the firm's equity investment goals, Gustav Rydbeck enhances the productivity of the firm's portfolio managers. The Partner and Chief Operating Officer, Equities collaborates with the firm's risk and technology departments to maintain a high-performance environment for equity trading. Through the management of equity-focused operations, the Partner and Chief Operating Officer, Equities supports the firm's ability to deliver consistent returns. This focus on operational excellence in equities is vital to the firm's success in competitive global markets.
    Gustav Rydbeck

    Dmitry Balyasny - Managing Partner & Chief Investment Officer

    Dmitry Balyasny, the Managing Partner & Chief Investment Officer at Balyasny Asset Management, directs the firm's overarching investment philosophy and capital allocation strategies. Overseeing the integration of deep research with disciplined risk management, the Managing Partner & Chief Investment Officer ensures the firm captures alpha across diverse asset classes. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market trends to maintain a competitive edge for institutional investors. By fostering a collaborative environment, Dmitry Balyasny drives the firm's commitment to consistent performance. The Managing Partner & Chief Investment Officer coordinates with senior leadership to refine quantitative trading models and macro strategies. Through rigorous oversight of investment teams, the Managing Partner & Chief Investment Officer secures the firm's position as a leader in global finance. This strategic focus on excellence supports the long-term growth objectives of the entire organization while maintaining high standards of operational integrity.
    Dmitry Balyasny

    Thomas Gaissmaier - Chief People Officer

    Thomas Gaissmaier, the Chief People Officer at Balyasny Asset Management, directs the firm's human capital strategy, including talent acquisition, development, and retention. Overseeing the firm's culture and organizational structure, the Chief People Officer ensures that the firm attracts and retains top-tier talent in the competitive finance industry. This leadership role involves designing programs that foster a collaborative and performance-driven environment. By aligning human resources initiatives with the firm's strategic objectives, Thomas Gaissmaier supports the growth and development of the firm's workforce. The Chief People Officer collaborates with the executive team to ensure that the firm's talent strategy supports its long-term investment goals. Through the management of human capital, the Chief People Officer maintains the firm's reputation as an employer of choice. This focus on people and culture is essential to the firm's success, ensuring that the organization remains equipped with the expertise and dedication required to excel in global financial markets.
    Thomas Gaissmaier

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    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 James Taneja (Chief Operating Officer, Risk Management).
    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), James Taneja (Chief Operating Officer, Risk Management) 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, Risk Management, Chief Operating Officer, Macro, Global Chief Operating Officer, Execution Services.