Adena Friedman

Date of Birth: November 16, 1969

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: *

Biography

Adena T. Friedman is a renowned American businesswoman, celebrated for her role as the President and CEO of Nasdaq, the global electronic marketplace for buying and selling securities. Friedman was born and raised in the United States, where she developed a strong interest in finance and economics from a young age. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Williams College, earning a Bachelor’s degree in political science. She later obtained her MBA from Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management. Friedman’s career at Nasdaq began in 1993, where she held various roles that focused on product development and strategy. Her innovative approaches and leadership qualities quickly became evident, leading to her appointment as Chief Financial Officer of Nasdaq in 2009. Friedman briefly left Nasdaq to serve as the Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director of The Carlyle Group, a global investment firm, from 2011 to 2014. She returned to Nasdaq in 2014 as President and Chief Operating Officer, and in 2017, she was appointed CEO, making her the first woman to lead a global exchange company. Under her leadership, Nasdaq has expanded its technology and analytics offerings, enhancing its role beyond a traditional stock exchange. Friedman is known for her advocacy for diversity and inclusion within the financial industry, and she has been recognized as one of the most powerful women in business by various publications.

5 Interesting Facts about Adena Friedman

1. Adena Friedman is the first woman to lead a major global exchange.

2. She was instrumental in Nasdaq’s acquisition of eVestment, a data analytics company, in 2017.

3. Friedman has been named one of Forbes’ World’s 100 Most Powerful Women multiple times.

4. She played a key role in Nasdaq’s transition to a technology-focused company.

5. Before joining Nasdaq, she worked at the investment firm The Carlyle Group as CFO and Managing Director.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Adena Friedman

1. “Innovation is a key catalyst for driving economic growth and improving the lives of people around the world.”

2. “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.”

3. “Diversity is not only the right thing to do but also the smart thing to do for business.”

4. “We must create an environment where the next generation of leaders can thrive.”

5. “The future of Nasdaq is not just about trading; it’s about harnessing technology to serve the capital markets.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As of 2023, Adena Friedman’s highest net worth is estimated to be $100 million.

Children

Adena Friedman is married to Michael Cameron Friedman, and they have two children together. She has often spoken about balancing her demanding career with her role as a mother.