Nasdaq Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Nasdaq has 10 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, information technology, financial oversight, market operations, and capital access.

Focused on empowering global capital markets through advanced software and analytics, Nasdaq delivers essential data and anti-financial crime solutions to optimize business performance across diverse industries worldwide.

Leadership Roles at Nasdaq

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

    Adena Friedman, the Chief Executive Officer & Chair at Nasdaq, directs the overarching strategic vision for the global technology company. Overseeing the integration of Market Platforms, Capital Access Platforms, and Anti-Financial Crime segments, the Chief Executive Officer & Chair ensures alignment with long-term growth objectives. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to refine corporate governance and market impact. By prioritizing innovation in data and software services, Friedman drives the expansion of the company into new financial sectors. The Chief Executive Officer & Chair maintains a focus on operational excellence to support clients in executing business visions with confidence. Through rigorous oversight of international market reach, Adena Friedman secures the competitive position of the firm within the complex landscape of modern capital markets.
    Adena Friedman

    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, directs the financial planning and analysis for the Market Services and Financial Technology divisions. Overseeing budgetary allocations and revenue forecasting, the Senior Vice President, Divisional Chief Financial Officer, Market Services and Financial Technology ensures fiscal discipline across these critical business units. This role involves collaborating with product leaders to evaluate the profitability of software and service offerings. By analyzing market trends, Chawla supports strategic decision-making that enhances the financial performance of the firm. The Senior Vice President, Divisional Chief Financial Officer, Market Services and Financial Technology monitors cost structures to maximize operational efficiency. Through precise financial management, Sumeet Chawla contributes to the overall stability and growth of the company's diverse portfolio.

    Sarah Youngwood - Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer

    Sarah Youngwood, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer at Nasdaq, manages the global financial health and capital allocation strategy of the organization. Overseeing financial reporting, treasury functions, and investor relations, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer ensures transparency and fiscal integrity. This role involves working closely with the CEO to evaluate investment opportunities and manage the company's balance sheet. By directing financial planning, Youngwood supports the long-term sustainability of the firm's business segments. The Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer monitors economic indicators to guide strategic resource distribution across international operations. Through rigorous financial oversight and disciplined capital management, Sarah Youngwood enables the company to pursue growth initiatives while maintaining a strong financial position in the competitive global capital markets.
    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, directs the strategic planning and financial operations for the division. Overseeing the alignment of financial goals with long-term business objectives, the Senior Vice President, Divisional Chief Financial Officer and Head of Strategy ensures that resources support key growth initiatives. This role involves conducting market analysis to identify emerging opportunities and potential risks. By integrating financial insights into the strategic framework, Wen facilitates informed decision-making across the organization. The Senior Vice President, Divisional Chief Financial Officer and Head of Strategy monitors divisional performance to ensure adherence to corporate targets. Through the synthesis of financial data and strategic vision, Cindy Wen drives the development of sustainable business models that enhance the company's market impact.

    Tal Cohen - President, Market Platforms, Executive VP & Head of North American Markets

    Tal Cohen, the President, Market Platforms, Executive VP & Head of North American Markets at Nasdaq, directs the operations and strategic growth of the Market Platforms segment. Overseeing the performance of North American markets, the President, Market Platforms, Executive VP & Head of North American Markets ensures the reliability and efficiency of trading infrastructure. This role involves managing relationships with market participants and regulators to maintain a fair and transparent environment. By driving initiatives to enhance market liquidity and access, Cohen supports the company's core mission of serving capital markets. The President, Market Platforms, Executive VP & Head of North American Markets monitors regional market trends to adapt service offerings to client needs. Through the leadership of these critical platforms, Tal Cohen strengthens the company's influence and operational scale across the North American financial sector.
    Tal Cohen

    Brad Peterson - Executive VP & Chief Information Officer

    Brad Peterson, the Executive VP & Chief Information Officer at Nasdaq, architects the robust technological infrastructure supporting global capital markets. Managing the complex digital ecosystem, the Executive VP & Chief Information Officer ensures high-availability systems for data, analytics, and software services. This role involves coordinating with internal teams to implement secure, scalable solutions that protect market integrity. By driving digital transformation initiatives, Peterson enhances the efficiency of the three core business segments. The Executive VP & Chief Information Officer oversees the deployment of advanced computing resources to maintain a competitive edge in the financial technology sector. Through strategic investment in cloud and cybersecurity frameworks, Brad Peterson guarantees that the company remains at the forefront of technological innovation while supporting the diverse needs of clients across international markets.
    Brad Peterson

    Jenna Beth - Head of Audit Operations Chief of Staff

    Jenna Beth, the Head of Audit Operations Chief of Staff at Nasdaq, manages the internal governance frameworks and operational efficiency of the audit division. Coordinating across departments, the Head of Audit Operations Chief of Staff ensures strict adherence to regulatory standards and internal policies. This leadership role involves streamlining communication between the executive office and audit teams to facilitate transparent reporting. By optimizing audit workflows, Beth supports the integrity of the company's financial and operational data. The Head of Audit Operations Chief of Staff monitors risk management protocols to protect the firm against potential vulnerabilities. Through meticulous oversight of internal processes, Jenna Beth strengthens the organizational foundation, allowing the company to maintain trust with stakeholders while navigating the complexities of the global financial environment.

    Angie Ruan - Chief Technology Officer, Capital Access Platforms

    Angie Ruan, the Chief Technology Officer, Capital Access Platforms at Nasdaq, leads the engineering and development efforts for the Capital Access Platforms segment. Architecting scalable software solutions, the Chief Technology Officer, Capital Access Platforms ensures that clients receive high-performance tools for capital market participation. This role involves managing technical teams to deliver innovative analytics and data services that meet evolving industry demands. By integrating advanced technology into the platform, Ruan enhances the user experience and operational reliability. The Chief Technology Officer, Capital Access Platforms coordinates with other technology leaders to align development roadmaps with the broader corporate strategy. Through the implementation of cutting-edge software, Angie Ruan drives the technological advancement of the company's capital access offerings, ensuring sustained value for clients across global markets.
    Angie Ruan

    John Farris - Chief Revenue Officer, Investment Intelligence Analytics

    John Farris, the Chief Revenue Officer, Investment Intelligence Analytics at Nasdaq, drives the commercial strategy and revenue growth for the Investment Intelligence Analytics division. Overseeing sales operations and client engagement, the Chief Revenue Officer, Investment Intelligence Analytics ensures that data and analytics products reach target markets effectively. This role involves identifying new business opportunities and expanding the client base through strategic partnerships. By aligning sales efforts with market needs, Farris optimizes the delivery of intelligence services to financial institutions. The Chief Revenue Officer, Investment Intelligence Analytics monitors performance metrics to ensure consistent revenue generation across the division. Through proactive market outreach and relationship management, John Farris secures the company's position as a leading provider of investment intelligence, supporting the overall financial objectives of the firm.

    Brenda Hoffman - Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer

    Brenda Hoffman, the Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer at Nasdaq, leads the enterprise-wide technology strategy and innovation agenda. Overseeing the development of core platforms, the Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer ensures that the company leverages advanced software to maintain market leadership. This role involves managing large-scale technical projects that support the firm's diverse service offerings. By fostering a culture of innovation, Hoffman drives the adoption of new technologies that improve operational efficiency and client outcomes. The Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer coordinates with other C-suite leaders to ensure that technical capabilities align with the company's mission. Through the implementation of robust and scalable systems, Brenda Hoffman secures the technological foundation necessary for the firm to thrive in the global financial landscape.
    Brenda Hoffman

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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 Sumeet Chawla (Senior Vice President, Divisional Chief Financial Officer, Market Services and Financial Technology) and Sarah Youngwood (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Nasdaq’s executive team?
    The executive team of Nasdaq includes leaders such as Adena Friedman (Chief Executive Officer & Chair), Sumeet Chawla (Senior Vice President, Divisional Chief Financial Officer, Market Services and Financial Technology), Sarah Youngwood (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer) 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, Senior Vice President, Divisional Chief Financial Officer, Market Services and Financial Technology, Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President, Divisional Chief Financial Officer and Head of Strategy, President, Market Platforms, Executive VP & Head of North American Markets.