Salim Ramji, a seasoned Indian American executive in financial services, has been named the new chief executive officer of Vanguard, the investment advisory giant based in Malvern, Pennsylvania. He will take the helm on July 8, succeeding Tim Buckley, who will retire as Chairman and CEO.
Ramji, 53, brings over 25 years of experience in investments, capital markets, and wealth management, most notably spending a decade at BlackRock Inc., where he was Global Head of iShares & Index Investing. In this role, he oversaw the management of the majority of the firm’s client assets and advanced the iShares platform, enhancing the availability of low-cost investment products globally.
At BlackRock, Ramji implemented a voting choice platform that democratized client access to the proxy voting process. His leadership in the US Wealth Advisory and Corporate Strategy divisions further solidified his reputation as a transformative leader in the financial sector. Before joining BlackRock, Ramji was a Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company and began his career as a lawyer at Clifford Chance.
Mark Loughridge, Vanguard’s Lead Independent Director, expressed confidence in Ramji’s appointment, highlighting his alignment with Vanguard’s mission-driven culture and his potential to drive the firm’s growth through technological and client experience innovations.
Ramji, who holds degrees from the University of Toronto and Cambridge University, and is a CFA charterholder, expressed his enthusiasm for his new role. “It’s an honor to join Vanguard, an institution I have long admired and respected,” he said. “I am very excited to get to work and partner with the outstanding leadership team to lead the company into the future.”
Raised in Canada by Tanzanian immigrants of Indian origin, Ramji shared that his parents’ emphasis on education and financial security greatly influenced his career. Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledged their sacrifices and guidance in shaping his path.
Ramji is also a trustee of Graham Windham, a child-care agency, and serves on the International Leadership Council for the University of Toronto.