Adena T. Friedman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nasdaq, Inc., is an innovator, trailblazer, and visionary whose leadership lights the path for a new generation of global excellence. She embodies the modern spirit of leadership—visionary, inclusive, and boldly future-focused.
From her early days as an intern at Nasdaq to becoming the first woman to lead a global exchange, Friedman’s journey is one of purpose, perseverance, and transformation. Educated at Williams College and Vanderbilt University, she built her career through insight, determination, and an unshakable belief that markets are not merely mechanisms for trade, but engines for opportunity.
Under her dynamic leadership, Nasdaq has evolved from a traditional stock exchange into a global technology and innovation company that powers economies, connects entrepreneurs, and advances inclusive growth. Friedman has championed transparency, digital innovation, and sustainability, steering Nasdaq into a new era defined by cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and responsible capitalism. Her forward-thinking vision has positioned the company as a beacon of trust and technological excellence in the financial world.
Admired globally for her intellect and authenticity, Adena Friedman inspires confidence in every room she enters. She has redefined leadership at the intersection of finance and technology, demonstrating that integrity and innovation can coexist powerfully. Through her commitment to diversity, ethical progress, and the belief that finance can serve society’s greater good, she stands as one of New York’s most influential and inspiring figures—a leader who not only shapes markets but empowers people to believe in what’s possible.
Nasdaq, Inc. stands as one of the world’s most dynamic and forward-looking financial institutions—a global technology company that sits at the heart of modern markets. Headquartered in New York City, Nasdaq operates not just as a stock exchange, but as a force for innovation, integrity, and inclusion in the global economy. Founded in 1971 as the world’s first electronic exchange, it revolutionized financial trading by introducing digital connectivity to the marketplace, forever changing how investors and companies engage with capital.
Today, Nasdaq is far more than an exchange. It powers the financial ecosystem through market technology, data analytics, cloud infrastructure, and governance solutions used by over 130 global markets and thousands of listed companies. Its platforms host some of the world’s most influential names in technology, healthcare, and finance—companies that continue to shape the future of business and innovation.
Guided by the visionary leadership of President and CEO Adena T. Friedman, Nasdaq champions transparency, sustainability, and inclusive capitalism. It drives progress through initiatives that empower entrepreneurs, enhance investor confidence, and promote fair, efficient markets around the world. From Wall Street to emerging economies, Nasdaq is building bridges between capital and creativity—helping ideas grow, economies thrive, and people achieve more together.
A global leader in innovation and integrity, Nasdaq Inc. connects ambition with opportunity, inspiring a smarter, more sustainable financial future.
Own or work here?