Russell Read

Global Head of Client Solutions

Russell Read, as Global Head of Client Solutions, is responsible for leading MSCI’s efforts to bring integrated solutions to our larger Asset Owner and Asset Manager segments, globally. Russell is also a member of MSCI’s Executive Committee. He joined the company in September 2018. Russell leads MSCI’s Client Solutions by defining and creating scalable and replicable investment solutions for our larger clients in the Asset Owner and Asset Manager segments, globally. He will develop and articulate our global go-to-market Asset Owner client segment strategy in partnership with the Regional Asset Owner Managers and Marketing Teams. Russell will assist in developing our Private Asset Class strategy in partnership with Jay McNamara, our Head of Real Estate. Russell will serve as a thought leader and strengthen MSCI’s investment-focused culture around the world.

Prior to MSCI, Russell was Chief Investment Officer at Alaska Permanent Fund, a position he held since 2016, and where he led the USD 65 billion Permanent Fund to top sixth percentile investment performance during his tenure, while transforming it from a sovereign wealth fund to a sovereign endowment fund. From 2011 to 2015, Russell led the Gulf Investment Corporation, based in Kuwait City, as its Chief Investment Officer and Deputy Chief Executive. Earlier in his career, Russell was Chief Investment Officer at the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS). He also Chaired the Investors Committee for the President’s Working Group on Financial Markets under Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, which authored Principles and Best Practices for Hedge Fund Investors during his tenure.

Russell graduated with a Ph.D. in Political Economy and a master’s degree in Economics from Stanford University. He also has an MBA in Finance and International Business and BA in Statistics from the University of Chicago.