Ex-Goldman ETF head to lead Mirae Asset Global X
Mirae Asset Global Investments named Ryan O’Connor, former global exchange-traded fund (ETF) product head at Goldman Sachs, to lead its U.S. ETF subsidiary, Global X, the company said Wednesday.
O’Connor, who will begin his role on April 8, plans to strengthen the brand value and devise innovative growth strategies.
He is an ETF expert who has worked in the U.S. ETF market, the world’s largest, for over 17 years, with experience leading Goldman Sachs’ global ETF division, where he oversaw product development and operations. He has been recognized for his extensive experience in the ETF industry, having previously worked for over 10 years at State Street Global Advisors.
Global X underwent organizational restructuring earlier with the goal of becoming a “Global Top Tier ETF Provider.”
Global X, when Mirae Asset Global Investments acquired it in 2018, was a rising star in the U.S. ETF market. Now, it is considered a leading player in thematic ETFs in the U.S. market. Its assets under management stand at 56 trillion won ($41.9 billion) as of the end of January.
“Mirae Asset continues to view Global X as an innovator and a critical part of its growth and success. It’s our desire to take Global X from a rising star to a clear-cut leader in the ETF industry,” said Park Hyeonjoo, founder and global strategy officer of Mirae Asset Financial Group.
“Over the past few months, we’ve kicked off a journey to strategically reposition the firm in order to jumpstart momentum and accelerate the business. By doing so, Global X has renewed agility, a refocus on its core competencies and a clear emphasis on its client base.”
Park added, “now is the right time” to bring in new leadership.
“Ryan has a notable track record of driving growth across the ETF value chain for the world’s largest asset managers. He is eager to bring his ETF industry experience and strategic, growth-oriented mindset to Global X, and we are excited to have him on board to help take the business to its next level,” he said.
O’Connor majored in economics and psychology at Bates College and holds an MBA from Cornell University.