Nasdaq Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Nasdaq has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, technology architecture, revenue generation, and regulatory compliance.

Focused on empowering global capital markets, Nasdaq delivers advanced data, analytics, and software solutions to optimize business performance and ensure market integrity across diverse financial sectors.

Leadership Roles at Nasdaq

  • Chief Executive Officer & Chair - Adena Friedman
  • Senior Vice President, Divisional Chief Financial Officer, Market Services and Financial Technology - Sumeet Chawla
  • Senior Vice President, Divisional Chief Financial Officer and Head of Strategy - Cindy Wen
  • Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer - Sarah Youngwood
  • President - Nelson Griggs
  • Chief Technology Officer, Capital Access Platforms - Angie Ruan
  • Chief Revenue Officer, Investment Intelligence Analytics - John Farris
  • Executive VP & Chief Technology Officer & Chief Information Officer - Brad Peterson
  • Head of Audit Operations Chief of Staff - Jenna Beth
  • Executive VP & Global Chief Legal, Risk & Regulatory Officer - John Zecca
  • Adena Friedman - Chief Executive Officer & Chair

    Adena Friedman, the Chief Executive Officer & Chair at Nasdaq, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. Overseeing the integration of Market Platforms, Capital Access Platforms, and Anti-Financial Crime segments, the Chief Executive Officer & Chair ensures alignment across all global business units. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to drive sustainable growth and market innovation. By prioritizing technological advancement, Friedman strengthens the competitive position of the firm within the international financial landscape. The Chief Executive Officer & Chair maintains a focus on delivering value to shareholders while expanding the reach of data and software services. Through rigorous operational oversight, Adena Friedman fosters a culture of excellence that supports the evolving needs of capital market participants worldwide, ultimately securing the firm's status as a premier global technology provider.
    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, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for critical technology and market service divisions. Overseeing complex financial modeling and budgetary planning, the Senior Vice President, Divisional Chief Financial Officer, Market Services and Financial Technology ensures that capital investments align with the broader strategic goals of the firm. This role requires deep collaboration with product teams to optimize the profitability of software and data offerings. By monitoring performance metrics across these segments, Chawla identifies opportunities for operational efficiency and revenue growth. Sumeet Chawla provides the financial rigor necessary to support the expansion of market platforms, ensuring that the division remains agile in a rapidly changing regulatory environment. Through precise financial stewardship, the Senior Vice President, Divisional Chief Financial Officer, Market Services and Financial Technology sustains the long-term viability of the company's technological infrastructure.

    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, coordinates the intersection of financial planning and long-term corporate development. Overseeing the strategic roadmap for specific business units, the Senior Vice President, Divisional Chief Financial Officer and Head of Strategy identifies emerging market trends and potential growth vectors. This role involves synthesizing financial data to inform high-level decision-making and resource deployment. By aligning divisional objectives with the overarching corporate mission, Wen ensures that the firm maintains a competitive edge in the financial services sector. Cindy Wen works closely with executive leadership to evaluate investment opportunities and optimize the portfolio of services. Through the application of strategic foresight and financial discipline, the Senior Vice President, Divisional Chief Financial Officer and Head of Strategy supports the firm's commitment to providing innovative solutions that enable clients to execute their business vision with absolute confidence.

    Sarah Youngwood - Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer

    Sarah Youngwood, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer at Nasdaq, manages the global financial operations and capital structure of the firm. Overseeing financial reporting, treasury functions, and investor relations, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer ensures that the organization maintains a strong balance sheet and clear financial transparency. This role involves evaluating the fiscal impact of strategic acquisitions and investments across all business segments. By providing the financial data necessary for informed decision-making, Youngwood supports the firm's growth and market stability. Sarah Youngwood collaborates with the Board and executive leadership to drive long-term value creation for shareholders. Through the oversight of financial planning and analysis, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer ensures that the firm has the resources required to innovate and expand its services, ultimately reinforcing the company's position as a leader in the global capital markets.
    Sarah Youngwood

    Nelson Griggs - President

    Nelson Griggs, the President at Nasdaq, oversees the day-to-day operations and execution of the firm's business strategy across its primary segments. Managing the integration of market platforms and capital access services, the President ensures that the organization delivers consistent value to its clients. This role involves leading cross-functional teams to drive operational efficiency and market growth. By focusing on the execution of the firm's core mission, Griggs supports the development of innovative solutions that empower capital markets. Nelson Griggs works closely with other executive leaders to ensure that the firm's strategic vision is translated into actionable results. Through the oversight of key business functions, the President maintains the firm's competitive advantage and ensures that the organization remains responsive to the needs of its global client base, ultimately driving the success of the company's diverse portfolio of products and services.
    Nelson Griggs

    Angie Ruan - Chief Technology Officer, Capital Access Platforms

    Angie Ruan, the Chief Technology Officer, Capital Access Platforms at Nasdaq, architects the digital infrastructure and software solutions that power the firm's capital access initiatives. Overseeing the development of scalable platforms, the Chief Technology Officer, Capital Access Platforms ensures that clients receive robust tools for managing their business vision. This role involves leading engineering teams to innovate within the software segment, focusing on high-performance computing and data reliability. By integrating advanced analytics into the platform architecture, Ruan enhances the user experience for market participants. Angie Ruan collaborates with other technology leaders to maintain a unified, secure, and efficient ecosystem across the organization. Through the implementation of cutting-edge technology, the Chief Technology Officer, Capital Access Platforms drives the digital transformation of capital markets, ensuring that the firm remains at the forefront of industry innovation while supporting the complex needs of global clients.
    Angie Ruan

    John Farris - Chief Revenue Officer, Investment Intelligence Analytics

    John Farris, the Chief Revenue Officer, Investment Intelligence Analytics at Nasdaq, drives the commercial success and market adoption of the firm's data and analytics products. Overseeing global sales initiatives, the Chief Revenue Officer, Investment Intelligence Analytics ensures that the value proposition of investment intelligence reaches a diverse client base. This role involves managing complex client relationships and identifying new revenue streams within the analytics segment. By aligning sales strategies with the evolving needs of the capital markets, Farris maximizes the impact of the firm's data offerings. John Farris collaborates with product development teams to ensure that market feedback informs the evolution of analytical tools. Through the execution of targeted growth strategies, the Chief Revenue Officer, Investment Intelligence Analytics strengthens the firm's market position, ensuring that clients have access to the high-quality data and insights required to navigate the complexities of modern financial environments.

    Brad Peterson - Executive VP & Chief Technology Officer & Chief Information Officer

    Brad Peterson, the Executive VP & Chief Technology Officer & Chief Information Officer at Nasdaq, directs the enterprise-wide technology strategy and information security framework. Overseeing the stability and performance of global market platforms, the Executive VP & Chief Technology Officer & Chief Information Officer ensures that the firm's infrastructure meets the highest standards of reliability and speed. This role involves managing large-scale digital transformations and the implementation of advanced cybersecurity protocols. By fostering innovation in cloud computing and data processing, Peterson supports the operational requirements of the entire organization. Brad Peterson works with the C-suite to align technological capabilities with business objectives, ensuring that the firm remains a leader in financial technology. Through the management of complex IT systems, the Executive VP & Chief Technology Officer & Chief Information Officer provides the foundation for all services, enabling the firm to deliver secure and efficient solutions to clients worldwide.
    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 audit processes and coordinates executive-level administrative functions. Overseeing the operational efficiency of audit workflows, the Head of Audit Operations Chief of Staff ensures that the firm adheres to rigorous internal standards and regulatory requirements. This role involves facilitating communication between the audit department and other key business segments to maintain transparency and accountability. By streamlining internal processes, Beth supports the firm's commitment to operational excellence and risk management. Jenna Beth works closely with the leadership team to ensure that strategic initiatives are supported by robust internal controls. Through the coordination of cross-functional efforts, the Head of Audit Operations Chief of Staff enhances the overall effectiveness of the organization, ensuring that the firm remains well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the global financial landscape while maintaining the highest levels of integrity.
    John Zecca, the Executive VP & Global Chief Legal, Risk & Regulatory Officer at Nasdaq, directs the legal strategy and risk management framework for the entire organization. Overseeing compliance with international regulations, the Executive VP & Global Chief Legal, Risk & Regulatory Officer ensures that the firm operates within the legal boundaries of every market served. This role involves managing complex legal challenges and mitigating risks associated with global financial operations. By providing guidance on regulatory developments, Zecca enables the firm to navigate the evolving landscape of capital markets with confidence. John Zecca works with the executive team to ensure that all business activities align with the highest standards of corporate governance. Through the management of legal and regulatory affairs, the Executive VP & Global Chief Legal, Risk & Regulatory Officer protects the firm's reputation and supports its mission to provide secure and reliable services to clients across the globe.
    John Zecca

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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 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), Sumeet Chawla (Senior Vice President, Divisional Chief Financial Officer, Market Services and Financial Technology), 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, Senior Vice President, Divisional Chief Financial Officer, Market Services and Financial Technology, Senior Vice President, Divisional Chief Financial Officer and Head of Strategy, Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer, President.