Robert Greifeld (born 1957)[1] is an American businessman and author. He is the former CEO and chairman of Nasdaq and former chairman of Virtu Financial.
In the 1980s, Greifeld was a district manager for Unisys in Jericho, NY. In 1991 he joined Automated Securities Clearance, Inc. (ACS), becoming president of the company in 1993.[2] While at ACS he spearheaded the creation of BRASS, one of the first electronic stock order matching systems, and Brut, an electronic communication network (ECN).[3][4]
After SunGard Data Systems acquired ACS in 1999, Greifeld was promoted to group CEO of SunGard Brokerage Systems.[2]
In 2003, Greifeld succeeded Hardwick Simmons as chairman and CEO of Nasdaq.[5] Under Greifeld, in 2007 Nasdaq attempted a hostile takeover of the London Stock Exchange, but their offer was ultimately rejected by shareholders.[6] In 2011, Nasdaq OMX collaborated with IntercontinentalExchange to attempt a hostile takeover of NYSE Euronext, however their bid was withdrawn due to antitrust concerns.[7][8]
In 2016, Nasdaq announced that Greifeld would be succeeded as CEO by Adena Friedman as of January 2017.[9] He continued in the role of chairman until May 2017, at which time he became the chairman of Virtu Financial.[10][11]
In 2019, Greifeld authored the book "Market Mover: Lessons from a Decade of Chance at Nasdaq", chronicling his time at Nasdaq.[10][12]
Greifeld left Virtu in April 2023 to work on launching a tech-focused investment fund, Cornerstone FTM, among other endeavors.[13][14]
Personal life
Greifeld has resided with his wife and family in Westfield, New Jersey[15][16] In 2016, he gave the commencement address at Iona College.[17]
.jpg)
