Todd Gormley

Professor of Finance at Olin Business School, Washington University in St. Louis

Todd Gormley is a prominent academic and finance expert currently serving as the Vice Dean of Education at the Olin Business School, Washington University in St. Louis, a position he has held since July 2024. He is also a Professor of Finance, having returned to Olin in 2016 after a tenure at The Wharton School. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Michigan State University, followed by a PhD in Economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2006.1 2 3

Research and Expertise

Gormley's research primarily focuses on corporate governance, particularly exploring why managers may not act in shareholders' best interests and how governance structures can mitigate such conflicts. His recent studies have examined the influence of passive institutional investors on corporate governance and market dynamics. His work has garnered several best paper awards, and he holds editorial positions with notable finance journals, including the Review of Financial Studies and the Review of Finance.1 2

Professional Background

Academic Positions:
- Vice Dean of Education, Olin Business School, Washington University (July 2024 - Present)
- Professor of Finance, Olin Business School (April 2021 - Present)
- Finance Area Chair, Olin Business School (July 2021 - June 2024)
- Associate Professor of Finance, Olin Business School (July 2016 - July 2021)
- Assistant Professor of Finance, The Wharton School (July 2009 - June 2016)
- Assistant Professor of Finance, Olin Business School (July 2006 - June 2009).2 3

Awards and Honors

Gormley has received multiple accolades for his teaching and research contributions, including:

Master of Science in Corporate Finance Reid Teaching Award (2018)
Best Paper Awards from the Investor Responsibility Research Center Institute (2014, 2015)
Excellence in Teaching Award at Wharton (2011).2 3