Heather Brilliant has been elected chair of the CFA Institute Board of Governors and Diane C. Nordin has been elected vice chair, the CFA Institute announced Wednesday.
The rise of the two women to the top two leadership positions marks a milestone in the history of the organization, marking the first time women have held the roles of chair and vice chair at the same time. The institute represents investment management professionals worldwide and issues the Charter Financial Analyst designation.
Brilliant will assume the chair position Sept. 1, succeeding Robert Jenkins, who will continue on the board, which is staffed by volunteers.
Paul Smith, president and CEO of the CFA Institute, said, “Building a better world for investors involves challenging industry norms and closing the gender gap, as well as raising standards in our profession.”
Brilliant is managing director, Americas, of First State Investments based in Sydney, Australia, and is responsible for expanding First State’s market presence across the Americas. She was previously CEO of Morningstar Australasia.
Nordin, who has more than 35 years of experience in the investment industry, is director of Fannie Mae, the Federal National Mortgage Association, where she serves as chair of the compensation committee and member of the audit committee.