President and Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

CFA Institute shapes the future of the investment industry and profession by providing a clear, unbiased, and authoritative voice on investment practices and outcomes. In order to continue to evolve and grow the CFA Program globally, the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will balance stewardship of the CFA charter with expansion into adjacent offerings, translating strategy into measurable impact while preserving the distinctiveness of the CFA charter in an increasingly competitive and technology- and AI-disrupted landscape. The new CEO will diversify CFA Institute's portfolio of learning products and grow its membership, while bolstering its global status as a trusted authority. The CEO role can be based in Charlottesville, New York City or London.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Vision
• Growth and Retention
• Standards and Public Advocacy
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Organizational Culture and Talent
• Innovation and Future-Proofing

Candidate Profile

The CEO will be a bold, entrepreneurial executive with a demonstrated ability to lead complex organizations and cultivate high-impact relationships at scale. This individual will bring clarity and cohesion to global contexts, combining intellectual agility with sound judgment and demonstrating the ability to synthesize diverse perspectives. A builder and executor, the CEO will unify teams, leading with gravitas and energy as they amplify CFA Institute's global brand. This leader will be an expert relationship-builder, exercising influence through credibility and trust. Resilient, adaptable, and motivated by CFA Institute's core mission, the CEO will model integrity and responsibility while advancing CFA Institute's profile thoughtfully and with lasting impact.

Ideal Experience

• 15+ years of C-suite or executive-level management
• Strong business acumen and experience leading and managing a complex organization, preferably on a global basis or in a global context.
• Relevant sector exposure
• Deep leadership experience in investment management / financial services, in the association space, or in the education / educational technology / certification area.
• Proven relational expertise
• Track record of growth and impact
• Academic and professional credentials

Critical Leadership Capabilities

• Strategic Leadership and Vision
• Connecting and Convening
• Operationalizing Strategy & Driving Results

Other Personal Characteristics

• Unquestionable integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness.
• Passionate about the mission of CFA Institute.
• Global mindset.
• Balances collegiality with performance.

Search Process

The executive search firm Spencer Stuart has been retained exclusively by CFA Institute to assist in this recruitment. Inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited and should be submitted directly to View email address on click.appcast.io. The review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Compensation

At CFA Institute, we are committed to transparency and equity in our hiring process. In compliance with wage transparency laws in many of the jurisdictions in which we recruit, we provide the following information regarding compensation for this position: The base salary range for this position is $500,000 to $700,000, with final determination of total compensation made after consideration of qualifications and experience. We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees, including health coverage, generous time off, competitive retirement plans, flexible work options, and wellbeing and development programs.

About CFA Institute

CFA Institute is the global leader in investment excellence and ethics. With nearly 200,000 charterholders across 160 markets, we promote professional growth, uphold ethical standards, and help advance better financial markets. Join a global organization committed to putting investors first.