DWS Group Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

DWS Group has 4 executives leading key functions including financial oversight, industrial fund management, business services, and regional operations.

With a commitment to global investment excellence, DWS Group delivers integrated financial solutions while maintaining stability across diverse international markets through innovative asset management strategies.

Leadership Roles at DWS Group

  • Chief Financial Officer - Megan Hess
  • Chief Financial Officer & Director, Rreef Core Plus Industrial Fund - Timothy Leske
  • Chief Operating Officer For Head of Business Services & Division Chief Operating Officer, Dws (Americas) - Brian Costello
  • Chief Operating Officer (APAC) - Simon Murfin
  • Megan Hess - Chief Financial Officer

    Megan Hess, the Chief Financial Officer at DWS Group, directs all global financial reporting and capital allocation strategies. Overseeing the firm's fiscal health, the Chief Financial Officer ensures rigorous compliance with international regulatory standards across Germany, Europe, the Americas, and Asia. This leadership role involves managing balance sheet integrity and optimizing liquidity to support long-term investment stability. By analyzing market trends, Megan Hess directly impacts the firm's ability to provide consistent value to institutional clients. Hess maintains close collaboration with the Board to align budgetary priorities with the overarching mission of becoming a premier global asset manager. Through precise financial forecasting and risk assessment, the Chief Financial Officer secures the capital foundation necessary for sustained growth. Ultimately, Hess drives the fiscal discipline required to maintain the reputation for excellence established over six decades of operation.
    Megan Hess

    Timothy Leske - Chief Financial Officer & Director, Rreef Core Plus Industrial Fund

    Timothy Leske, the Chief Financial Officer & Director, Rreef Core Plus Industrial Fund at DWS Group, manages the financial architecture of specialized industrial real estate portfolios. Overseeing capital deployment within the Rreef Core Plus Industrial Fund, the Chief Financial Officer & Director, Rreef Core Plus Industrial Fund ensures that investment vehicles meet strict performance benchmarks. This role involves evaluating asset-level financial data to maximize returns for investors across the Americas and beyond. Timothy Leske coordinates with investment committees to refine portfolio strategies and mitigate exposure to market volatility. By integrating deep industry knowledge with financial rigor, Leske enhances the competitive positioning of the industrial fund. The Chief Financial Officer & Director, Rreef Core Plus Industrial Fund maintains a focus on long-term value creation, ensuring that every investment aligns with the broader firm-wide commitment to stability and innovation in asset management.
    Timothy Leske

    Brian Costello - Chief Operating Officer For Head of Business Services & Division Chief Operating Officer, Dws (Americas)

    Brian Costello, the Chief Operating Officer For Head of Business Services & Division Chief Operating Officer, Dws (Americas) at DWS Group, architects the operational framework for business services across the Americas. Overseeing internal infrastructure and service delivery, the Chief Operating Officer For Head of Business Services & Division Chief Operating Officer, Dws (Americas) ensures seamless execution of investment support functions. This leadership role involves streamlining cross-departmental workflows to improve efficiency and client service quality. Brian Costello collaborates with regional leadership to scale operational capacity in alignment with the firm's growth objectives. By implementing robust process improvements, Costello drives the operational excellence required to support complex investment disciplines. The Chief Operating Officer For Head of Business Services & Division Chief Operating Officer, Dws (Americas) maintains a focus on technological integration and resource optimization, ensuring that the Americas division remains a cornerstone of the global asset management platform.

    Simon Murfin - Chief Operating Officer (APAC)

    Simon Murfin, the Chief Operating Officer (APAC) at DWS Group, directs all operational activities across the Asia-Pacific region. Overseeing regional infrastructure and administrative functions, the Chief Operating Officer (APAC) ensures that local operations align with the firm's global standards for investment excellence. This leadership role involves managing regional risk, optimizing supply chains for investment services, and supporting the expansion of market reach throughout Asia. Simon Murfin coordinates with global leadership to implement standardized processes that enhance regional agility and responsiveness. By fostering a culture of operational efficiency, Murfin supports the delivery of integrated investment solutions to a diverse client base. The Chief Operating Officer (APAC) maintains a focus on navigating complex regulatory environments while driving sustainable growth. Ultimately, Murfin secures the operational stability necessary for the firm to maintain its status as a trusted provider of investment solutions in the APAC market.
    Simon Murfin

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding DWS Group Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads DWS Group?
    DWS Group is led by Megan Hess (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Timothy Leske (Chief Financial Officer & Director, Rreef Core Plus Industrial Fund) and Brian Costello (Chief Operating Officer For Head of Business Services & Division Chief Operating Officer, Dws (Americas)).
    Who is part of DWS Group’s executive team?
    The executive team of DWS Group includes leaders such as Megan Hess (Chief Financial Officer), Timothy Leske (Chief Financial Officer & Director, Rreef Core Plus Industrial Fund), Brian Costello (Chief Operating Officer For Head of Business Services & Division Chief Operating Officer, Dws (Americas)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does DWS Group have?
    DWS Group has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in DWS Group’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of DWS Group includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Director, Rreef Core Plus Industrial Fund, Chief Operating Officer For Head of Business Services & Division Chief Operating Officer, Dws (Americas), Chief Operating Officer (APAC).