Nasdaq on Monday announced the appointment of Adena Friedman as its new president and chief executive officer, effective Jan. 1, 2017.
Friedman, who will also become chairwoman of the board, replaces Bob Greifeld, who has headed the U.S. exchange for nearly 14 years.
Friedman joined the exchange in 1993, steadily rising through the corporate ranks, including stints as head of strategy, and chief financial officer. She left to join The Carlyle Group in 2011 as its CFO, before returning to Nasdaq in 2014, and becoming chief operating officer in 2015.
“Naming Adena CEO represents the successful conclusion of a rigorous, multi-year succession planning process,” said current Nasdaq chairman, Borje Ekholm in a news release.
“Adena is uniquely qualified for this role. For nearly two decades she has steadily risen through the leadership ranks, beginning as a Nasdaq intern. During this time, she acquired deep expertise across a broad range of business and operational areas, as well as instituting a sharp focus on technology, all of which will drive the future of Nasdaq,” he added.
Ekholm will step down as Nasdaq chairman on Dec. 31, and will take over as president and CEO of Ericsson in January 2017.