Adena T. Friedman is an American business executive who has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nasdaq, Inc. since January 2017. In her role, Friedman oversees the operations of Nasdaq, a global technology and data services company that operates the Nasdaq stock exchange and provides market technology, analytics, and capital market services.
Early life and education
Friedman earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Details regarding her birth date and early personal background are not extensively documented in widely available public sources.
Career
- New York Stock Exchange (NYSE): Friedman began her career on the NYSE in 1993 as a corporate and securities lawyer, later moving into senior leadership positions. She served as the head of the NYSE's joint venture with the Chicago Board Options Exchange and was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of the NYSE in 2008, becoming the first woman to hold that position.
- Nasdaq, Inc.: In December 2016, Friedman was announced as the successor to Robert Greifeld as CEO of Nasdaq. She officially assumed the role in January 2017. Under her leadership, Nasdaq has expanded its focus on data, cloud‑based technology, and market infrastructure, as well as pursued strategic acquisitions and partnerships to diversify its revenue streams.
Board memberships and affiliations
Friedman holds or has held positions on several corporate and nonprofit boards, including:
- Director of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York
- Board member of Verizon Communications
- Chair of the Board of the Institute for Financial Markets (IFM) at the Wharton School
- Member of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Athlete’s Commission (as an honorary appointment)
Recognition
Friedman has been recognized by various publications and organizations for her influence in the financial services industry. Notable honors include being listed on Fortune’s "Most Powerful Women" and Barron’s "World's Best CEOs."
Personal life
Public information about Friedman’s personal life, including family details, is limited, reflecting a typical professional focus in publicly available biographical sources.