Nasdaq Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Nasdaq has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, and finance.

Driven by innovation, Nasdaq is dedicated to empowering clients with data, analytics, software, and services to optimize their business vision across capital markets and other industries.

Leadership Roles at Nasdaq

  • Chief Executive Officer & Chair - Adena Friedman
  • Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer - Sarah Youngwood
  • Senior Vice President, Divisional Chief Financial Officer and Head of Strategy - Cindy Wen
  • Senior Vice President, Divisional Chief Financial Officer, Market Services and Financial Technology - Sumeet Chawla
  • Support Executive & Office of The Chief Technology Officer & Chief Information Officer - Heather Opp
  • Chief Technology Officer, Capital Access Platforms - Angie Ruan
  • Chief Revenue Officer, Investment Intelligence Analytics - John Farris
  • Head of Audit Operations Chief of Staff - Jenna Beth
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer - Brenda Hoffman
  • Executive VP & Chief Information Officer - Brad Peterson
  • Adena Friedman - Chief Executive Officer & Chair

    Adena Friedman, the Chief Executive Officer & Chair at Nasdaq, directs the company's global strategy and operations. Overseeing all business segments, including Market Platforms, Capital Access Platforms, and Anti-Financial Crime, Friedman ensures alignment with Nasdaq's mission to empower clients. This leadership role involves driving innovation in data, analytics, software, and services, crucial for optimizing client business visions. Friedman's oversight extends to fostering growth and market leadership within the finance and technology sectors. By setting the strategic direction, Adena Friedman guides the organization's expansion and commitment to serving capital markets and other industries effectively.
    Adena Friedman

    Sarah Youngwood - Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer

    Sarah Youngwood, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer at Nasdaq, directs the company's financial strategy and operations. This executive oversees all aspects of financial planning, reporting, and capital management, ensuring fiscal health and driving sustainable growth. Youngwood's purview includes managing investments, optimizing financial performance, and maintaining strong relationships with the financial community. The role is central to executing Nasdaq's business vision across its diverse segments, including Market Platforms, Capital Access Platforms, and Anti-Financial Crime. Sarah Youngwood's leadership ensures financial discipline and strategic resource allocation to support Nasdaq's global objectives.
    Sarah Youngwood

    Cindy Wen - Senior Vice President, Divisional Chief Financial Officer and Head of Strategy

    Cindy Wen, the Senior Vice President, Divisional Chief Financial Officer and Head of Strategy at Nasdaq, leads financial operations and strategic planning for a specific division. This dual role involves managing the financial health of the division while also shaping its future strategic direction. Wen ensures that financial resources are allocated effectively to support strategic initiatives and drive business growth. The position requires a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics and competitive landscapes to inform strategic decision-making. Cindy Wen's leadership is instrumental in aligning financial performance with long-term strategic objectives for the division.

    Sumeet Chawla - Senior Vice President, Divisional Chief Financial Officer, Market Services and Financial Technology

    Sumeet Chawla, the Senior Vice President, Divisional Chief Financial Officer, Market Services and Financial Technology at Nasdaq, manages the financial strategy for key operational areas. This executive oversees the financial performance and planning for Nasdaq's Market Services and Financial Technology segments. Chawla ensures robust financial controls and drives efficiency within these technology-focused divisions. The role involves close collaboration with divisional leadership to support innovation and growth in financial technology solutions. Sumeet Chawla's financial acumen is critical for optimizing resource allocation and ensuring the profitability of these vital business units.

    Heather Opp - Support Executive & Office of The Chief Technology Officer & Chief Information Officer

    Heather Opp, the Support Executive & Office of The Chief Technology Officer & Chief Information Officer at Nasdaq, provides critical operational support for technology leadership. This role involves facilitating the execution of strategic technology initiatives across the organization. Opp ensures seamless coordination between the Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Officer functions, enhancing efficiency in technology deployment and management. The position requires a deep understanding of Nasdaq's technology infrastructure and its application within the Market Platforms, Capital Access Platforms, and Anti-Financial Crime segments. Heather Opp's contributions are vital for maintaining the integrity and advancement of Nasdaq's technological capabilities, supporting the company's overall business objectives.

    Angie Ruan - Chief Technology Officer, Capital Access Platforms

    Angie Ruan, the Chief Technology Officer, Capital Access Platforms at Nasdaq, architects the technology vision for Nasdaq's Capital Access Platforms segment. This involves developing and implementing innovative technology solutions that enable clients to access capital markets more effectively. Ruan's responsibilities include overseeing the technological infrastructure that supports listing services, capital raising, and other related financial products. By driving technological advancements, Angie Ruan ensures these platforms remain competitive and meet the evolving needs of issuers and investors. The role demands strategic foresight in leveraging data, analytics, and software to enhance client experience and operational efficiency within this critical business area.
    Angie Ruan

    John Farris - Chief Revenue Officer, Investment Intelligence Analytics

    John Farris, the Chief Revenue Officer, Investment Intelligence Analytics at Nasdaq, spearheads revenue generation for the Investment Intelligence Analytics division. This executive drives the commercial strategy for Nasdaq's data, analytics, and software offerings within this segment. Farris focuses on expanding market reach and increasing revenue streams by identifying new opportunities and strengthening client relationships. The role requires a keen understanding of market dynamics and client needs to effectively position Nasdaq's intelligence solutions. By optimizing sales processes and developing strategic partnerships, John Farris directly contributes to the growth and profitability of Nasdaq's analytics business.

    Jenna Beth - Head of Audit Operations Chief of Staff

    Jenna Beth, the Head of Audit Operations Chief of Staff at Nasdaq, manages critical operational functions within the audit division. This position ensures the efficient and effective execution of audit processes, supporting Nasdaq's commitment to compliance and financial integrity. Beth's responsibilities include streamlining operational workflows and enhancing internal controls across the audit department. The role requires close collaboration with various internal teams to ensure audit operations align with Nasdaq's broader business objectives and regulatory requirements. Jenna Beth plays a key part in maintaining the high standards of operational excellence within Nasdaq's audit functions.

    Brenda Hoffman - Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer

    Brenda Hoffman, the Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer at Nasdaq, drives the company's overall technology strategy and innovation. This executive leads the development and implementation of cutting-edge technology solutions across all business segments, including Market Platforms, Capital Access Platforms, and Anti-Financial Crime. Hoffman's responsibilities encompass overseeing technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital transformation initiatives. By fostering a culture of technological advancement, Brenda Hoffman ensures Nasdaq remains at the forefront of the financial technology industry. The role is pivotal in delivering robust, scalable, and secure technology services to clients worldwide.
    Brenda Hoffman

    Brad Peterson - Executive VP & Chief Information Officer

    Brad Peterson, the Executive VP & Chief Information Officer at Nasdaq, oversees the company's global information technology infrastructure and operations. This executive ensures the reliability, security, and efficiency of Nasdaq's IT systems, which are fundamental to its operations in capital markets and other industries. Peterson's leadership focuses on implementing advanced IT strategies that support business objectives and enhance client services. Responsibilities include managing data centers, networks, and enterprise applications, ensuring seamless integration across all Nasdaq platforms. Brad Peterson plays a crucial role in maintaining operational resilience and driving technological innovation within the organization.
    Brad Peterson

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Nasdaq Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Nasdaq?
    Nasdaq is led by Adena Friedman (Chief Executive Officer & Chair), along with executives such as Sarah Youngwood (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer) and Cindy Wen (Senior Vice President, Divisional Chief Financial Officer and Head of Strategy).
    Who is part of Nasdaq’s executive team?
    The executive team of Nasdaq includes leaders such as Adena Friedman (Chief Executive Officer & Chair), Sarah Youngwood (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer), Cindy Wen (Senior Vice President, Divisional Chief Financial Officer and Head of Strategy) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Nasdaq have?
    Nasdaq has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Nasdaq’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Nasdaq includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer & Chair, Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President, Divisional Chief Financial Officer and Head of Strategy, Senior Vice President, Divisional Chief Financial Officer, Market Services and Financial Technology, Support Executive & Office of The Chief Technology Officer & Chief Information Officer.