Ananth Madhavan

Ananth Madhavan is a prominent financial executive currently serving as a Managing Director at BlackRock, where he leads the Academic Engagement for the External Affairs division. He has been with BlackRock since its merger with Barclays Global Investors in 2009, having previously held the position of Global Head of Research for the ETF and Index Investing division from 2013 to 2022.12

Educational Background

Madhavan holds a BA from the University of Delhi, an MA from Boston University, and a PhD in economics from Cornell University. His academic career includes roles as a professor at the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California and as an Assistant Professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.12

Professional Experience

Before joining BlackRock, Madhavan was a Managing Director at Investment Technology Group (ITG), where he focused on research and trading strategies. He has also contributed to the finance field through numerous publications, including a book titled "Exchange-Traded Funds and the New Dynamics of Investing," published by Oxford University Press in 2016. His research interests cover areas such as financial innovation, trading, and market microstructure.12

Contributions and Recognition

Madhavan has authored over 60 articles in both academic and practitioner journals and has received several awards, including the Graham and Dodd Award for Best Article from the CFA Institute. His work has significantly influenced the understanding of ETFs and trading strategies in the finance industry.12