Dimensional Invests in Key Leadership Positions

For nearly 40 years, Dimensional* has been a leader in systematic investing and delivering exceptional client service. As the firm continues to innovate and expand, it is investing in key leadership roles to enhance the strategies and solutions it provides to clients.

“Talented people are at the heart of everything we do,” said Dave Butler, Co-CEO of Dimensional Fund Advisors LP (“Dimensional US”). “We are fortunate to have a deep bench of leaders ready to take on new responsibilities, while also attracting seasoned professionals who bring fresh perspectives to the firm.”

Here are some of the key enhancements to Dimensional’s leadership team this year:

Lisa Dallmer, Global Operations—In December, Dimensional US announced the hiring of Lisa Dallmer as Chief Operating Officer. Dallmer serves on the Executive Committee of Dimensional US and partners with senior leaders across the firm to develop and implement operational strategies that improve standards, drive efficiency, and enhance business capabilities. Dallmer brings to the role two decades of senior leadership experience in global financial operations with organizations including BlackRock and the New York Stock Exchange. Most recently, she served as a strategic advisor to CEOs on fintech solutions.

Joseph Chi, Responsible Investment—Dimensional has long been a pioneer in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing. In November, Dimensional US appointed Joseph Chi to serve as Head of Responsible Investment. Chi has previously served as Dimensional US’s Co-Head of Portfolio Management, Chair of its Investment Committee, Chair of its Corporate Governance Committee, and Head of Corporate Governance. In his new role, he acts as a liaison between corporate and investment initiatives, engaging with clients and other thought leaders and representing Dimensional in the ESG space.

Stacey Winning, Diversity and Inclusion—Dimensional is committed to recruiting, hiring, developing, and retaining the best talent inside and outside of the financial services industry. Stacey Winning, recently named Deputy Head of Global Human Resources, is driving the firm’s efforts to continue broadening its reach and fostering a diverse, inclusive work environment. She serves as Chair of Dimensional’s Diversity and Inclusion Executive Council, composed of senior leaders across the firm and charged with assessing the firm’s needs, examining best practices, and implementing effective strategies.

Susan Small, Consultant Relations—In January 2020, Susan Small will join Dimensional US as its new Global Head of Consultant Relations. In this role, Small will drive global strategy and execution, defining enterprise capabilities and developing a multiyear plan to foster and deepen strategic relationships for the firm. She has more than 30 years of experience in the institutional asset management industry and has served in numerous leadership roles, including Head of Institutional Distribution, Americas, for UBS Asset Management and Global Head of Consultant Relations for Deutsche Asset Management.

Marlena Lee, Investment Solutions—In August, Dimensional named Marlena Lee Head of Investment Solutions. She oversees a team charged with developing content and delivering high-quality investment communications to Dimensional’s clients around the world. Lee previously served as Co-Head of Research with Savina Rizova.

Savina Rizova, Research—In August, Dimensional named Savina Rizova Head of Research. She was previously Co-Head of Research with Marlena Lee. Rizova applies her background in finance to research projects that Dimensional undertakes to improve the design and execution of new and existing strategies. She also examines a variety of empirical research questions.

Jed Fogdall, Mary Phillips, Allen Pu, and Joel Schneider, Portfolio Management—To continue to execute investment strategies at the high standard Dimensional demands for its clients, the firm bolstered its investment leadership team. Jed Fogdall was named Global Head of Portfolio Management and Chair of Dimensional US’s Investment Committee. Mary Phillips, Allen Pu, and Joel Schneider were promoted to Deputy Heads of Portfolio Management, North America. Pu and Schneider also joined Phillips on the Investment Committee of Dimensional US. Fogdall was previously Co-Head of Portfolio Management.

In addition to Dimensional’s investments in key roles, several leading academics have new affiliations with the firm or its funds:

Darrell Duffie and Ingrid M. Werner, Independent Directors—The boards of Dimensional’s US mutual funds appointed Darrell Duffie of Stanford and Ingrid M. Werner of Ohio State as Independent Directors. The scholars joined an impressive group of academic luminaries who have helped oversee the funds on behalf of investors.

Marco Di Maggio, Academic Consultant—Dimensional has a long history of collaborating with prestigious academics. The firm also has a strong internal investment team, which now includes 18 PhDs. In 2019, Dimensional engaged Marco Di Maggio of Harvard Business School as a consultant to collaborate on research projects with a special focus on trading.

“When you’re entrusted with investing clients’ assets, you can never rest on your laurels,” said Gerard O’Reilly, Co-CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Dimensional US. “We are constantly evaluating our strategies, solutions, and structure to ensure we’re investing in the right people and the right teams to deliver a great investment experience.”