Nasdaq Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

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, managing operations through Market Platforms, Capital Access Platforms, and Anti-Financial Crime segments.

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
  • Chief Technology Officer, Capital Access Platforms - Angie Ruan
  • Group Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer - Catherine Addona
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer - Brenda Hoffman
  • Head of Audit Operations Chief of Staff - Jenna Beth
  • Support Executive & Office of The Chief Technology Officer & Chief Information Officer - Heather Opp
  • Executive VP & Chief Information Officer - Brad Peterson
  • Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer - Hua Xiong
  • Adena Friedman - Chief Executive Officer & Chair

    Adena Friedman, the Chief Executive Officer & Chair at Nasdaq, directs the company's global strategy and operations. Friedman oversees the execution of Nasdaq's mission to deliver technology-driven solutions for the capital markets and beyond. This leadership role involves guiding the company's three core business segments: Market Platforms, Capital Access Platforms, and Anti-Financial Crime. Friedman's strategic vision ensures Nasdaq remains at the forefront of financial technology innovation, driving growth and client success. By fostering collaboration across departments, Adena Friedman ensures alignment with the company's overarching goals of market integrity and technological advancement. The Chair position involves providing governance and strategic oversight to the Board of Directors, ensuring long-term value creation for stakeholders. This comprehensive leadership ensures Nasdaq's continued impact on global financial infrastructure.
    Adena Friedman

    Sarah Youngwood - Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer

    Sarah Youngwood, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer at Nasdaq, manages the company's financial operations and strategic fiscal planning. Youngwood directs all aspects of financial reporting, treasury, investor relations, and capital allocation. This critical role ensures the financial health and stability of Nasdaq's diverse business segments, including Market Platforms, Capital Access Platforms, and Anti-Financial Crime. By optimizing financial strategies, Sarah Youngwood supports the company's growth initiatives and operational efficiency. Overseeing budgeting and forecasting processes, Youngwood provides essential financial insights to drive informed decision-making across the organization. The Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer also plays a key part in mergers, acquisitions, and capital markets transactions, solidifying Nasdaq's financial position. Through rigorous financial management, Sarah Youngwood contributes directly to Nasdaq's long-term profitability and market leadership.
    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 financial operations and strategic planning for a key division. Wen oversees budgeting, financial analysis, and forecasting, ensuring fiscal discipline and driving profitable growth within the designated business unit. This role involves close collaboration with divisional leadership to align financial strategies with overarching company objectives. Cindy Wen also leads the development and implementation of strategic initiatives, identifying opportunities for market expansion and operational enhancement. By integrating financial oversight with strategic foresight, Wen ensures the division's contribution to Nasdaq's overall success. The Senior Vice President, Divisional Chief Financial Officer and Head of Strategy plays a crucial role in optimizing resource allocation and maximizing shareholder value. Through expert financial and strategic leadership, Cindy Wen supports Nasdaq's mission to empower clients and drive market innovation.

    Angie Ruan - Chief Technology Officer, Capital Access Platforms

    Angie Ruan, the Chief Technology Officer, Capital Access Platforms at Nasdaq, architects and drives the technological vision for Nasdaq's Capital Access Platforms segment. Ruan leads the development and implementation of innovative technology solutions that empower businesses seeking capital. This involves overseeing the engineering teams responsible for creating robust, scalable, and secure platforms. Angie Ruan's expertise ensures that Nasdaq's offerings in this segment, which include data, analytics, and software services, meet the evolving needs of issuers and investors. By focusing on cutting-edge technology, Ruan enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of capital raising processes. The Chief Technology Officer, Capital Access Platforms also collaborates with other technology leaders to ensure seamless integration across Nasdaq's broader technology infrastructure. Through strategic technological leadership, Angie Ruan strengthens Nasdaq's position as a vital partner in the capital markets ecosystem.
    Angie Ruan

    Catherine Addona - Group Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer

    Catherine Addona, the Group Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer at Nasdaq, holds dual responsibility for managing enterprise-wide risk and driving revenue growth. Addona develops and implements comprehensive risk management frameworks to safeguard Nasdaq's operations and assets across all business segments. Simultaneously, Catherine Addona spearheads revenue generation strategies, identifying new market opportunities and optimizing existing revenue streams. This dual focus ensures both the security and the financial expansion of the company. By integrating risk assessment with revenue planning, Addona fosters a culture of responsible growth. The Group Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer collaborates closely with executive leadership to align risk appetite with strategic objectives. Through astute financial oversight and proactive revenue development, Catherine Addona significantly contributes to Nasdaq's sustained success and market resilience.
    Catherine Addona

    Brenda Hoffman - Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer

    Brenda Hoffman, the Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer at Nasdaq, leads the company's overall technology strategy and execution. Hoffman directs the development and deployment of advanced technological solutions that underpin Nasdaq's global operations. This includes overseeing infrastructure, software development, and cybersecurity initiatives across all business segments. Brenda Hoffman's leadership ensures that Nasdaq's technology platforms are robust, scalable, and secure, supporting critical functions within Market Platforms, Capital Access Platforms, and Anti-Financial Crime. By driving technological innovation, Hoffman enhances operational efficiency and client experience. The Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer collaborates with other C-suite executives to align technology roadmaps with business objectives. Through strategic technological guidance, Brenda Hoffman plays a pivotal role in maintaining Nasdaq's competitive edge and facilitating its mission to serve the capital markets.
    Brenda Hoffman

    Jenna Beth - Head of Audit Operations Chief of Staff

    Jenna Beth, the Head of Audit Operations Chief of Staff at Nasdaq, provides critical operational support and strategic coordination for the audit functions. Beth ensures the efficient execution of audit processes and facilitates communication between audit teams and executive leadership. This role involves streamlining workflows and enhancing the effectiveness of internal controls across Nasdaq's diverse operations. Jenna Beth supports the Chief Audit Executive in developing audit plans and managing resources to address key risks within the Market Platforms, Capital Access Platforms, and Anti-Financial Crime segments. By optimizing audit operations, Beth contributes to maintaining the integrity and compliance of Nasdaq's business practices. The Head of Audit Operations Chief of Staff plays an integral part in strengthening Nasdaq's governance framework. Through dedicated operational management, Jenna Beth ensures the audit function effectively supports Nasdaq's commitment to transparency and accountability.

    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 essential executive support and operational coordination for technology leadership. Opp facilitates the seamless functioning of the CTO and CIO offices, ensuring efficient communication and project management. This role involves managing key initiatives and supporting the strategic direction of Nasdaq's technology infrastructure. Heather Opp assists in coordinating efforts across technology departments, contributing to the successful implementation of software and systems that power Nasdaq's Market Platforms, Capital Access Platforms, and Anti-Financial Crime segments. By enhancing operational efficiency within the technology leadership team, Opp supports the delivery of innovative solutions. The Support Executive & Office of The Chief Technology Officer & Chief Information Officer plays a vital role in enabling Nasdaq's technological advancements. Through dedicated support, Heather Opp contributes to the robust execution of Nasdaq's technology strategy.

    Brad Peterson - Executive VP & Chief Information Officer

    Brad Peterson, the Executive VP & Chief Information Officer at Nasdaq, directs the company's global information technology strategy and infrastructure. Peterson oversees the development and management of all IT systems, ensuring they support Nasdaq's business objectives and operational needs. This leadership role encompasses cybersecurity, data management, and technology operations across the organization's three segments: Market Platforms, Capital Access Platforms, and Anti-Financial Crime. Brad Peterson's focus on technological advancement and security ensures Nasdaq's systems are resilient and efficient. By driving digital transformation initiatives, Peterson enhances operational effectiveness and client service delivery. The Executive VP & Chief Information Officer collaborates with other senior leaders to align IT investments with strategic priorities. Through comprehensive IT governance and innovation, Brad Peterson plays a critical role in maintaining Nasdaq's technological leadership and operational integrity.
    Brad Peterson

    Hua Xiong - Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer

    Hua Xiong, the Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer at Nasdaq, manages both the company's risk mitigation strategies and its revenue generation efforts. Xiong implements robust risk management frameworks to protect Nasdaq's assets and ensure regulatory compliance across its global operations. Concurrently, Hua Xiong drives revenue growth by identifying and capitalizing on new market opportunities and enhancing existing revenue streams. This dual responsibility ensures that Nasdaq pursues growth while maintaining a strong risk posture. By aligning risk appetite with revenue targets, Xiong fosters sustainable business expansion. The Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer works closely with executive teams to integrate risk considerations into all strategic decisions. Through effective management of risk and revenue, Hua Xiong significantly contributes to Nasdaq's financial stability and market competitiveness.

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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, Chief Technology Officer, Capital Access Platforms, Group Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer.