Vanessa Nakate to Open Giving Black Conference 2026 With Climate Justice Keynote
1 week ago
United States Mellody Hobson is a distinguished businesswoman, recognized for her leadership in finance and her commitment to investor education and financial literacy.
As Co-CEO, Mellody is responsible for management, strategic planning and growth for all areas of Ariel. Additionally, she chairs the board of Ariel Investments.
Memorandum to Clients and Friends of Ariel Investments, LLC from Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO and President date: January 30, 2025 re: Introducing Project Level.
Penny interviews Mellody Hobson, President and Co-CEO of Ariel Investments, a global asset management firm headquartered in Chicago.
As Co-CEO, Mellody is responsible for all firm-wide management, including strategic planning and growth as well as every aspect of Ariel's business. Her profile mentions her role.
Mellody Hobson is President of Ariel Investments, responsible for firm-wide management and strategic planning, overseeing all operations outside of research. She joined The Rockefeller Foundation board of trustees in 2018.
Hobson, a nationally recognized financial executive and advocate for financial literacy, speaks candidly about how Ariel Investments approaches 'Investing in Purpose and the Future of Sports'.
As Co-CEO, Mellody is responsible for management, strategic planning and growth for all areas of Ariel Investments outside of research and portfolio management.
Ariel Investments president and co-CEO Mellody Hobson and Ariel Investments 'Project Level' managing partner Jason Wright join 'Squawk Box' to discuss DEI pushback.
Webcast featuring Mellody Hobson, co-CEO and President of Ariel Investments, discussing 'Reimagining Wealth and Legacy'.
Hobson is the co-CEO of Ariel Investments, a Chicago-headquartered investment management firm, and sits on the boards of several big companies and organizations.
Mellody Hobson served as chair and then as lead independent director on the board of Starbucks Corporation.
Mellody Hobson was the chairman of the board of directors for DreamWorks Animation.
Mellody Hobson became the first African-American woman to head The Economic Club of Chicago.
Mellody Hobson serves on the board of JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Mellody Hobson is on the board of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art and co-chairs its board.
Mellody Hobson formerly served on the board of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
Hobson created and hosted a show on ABC on May 29, 2009, called 'Unbroke: What You Need to Know About Money', featuring celebrities.
Mellody Hobson guest hosted CBS Sunday Morning's annual 'Money Issue' episode in August 2017.
In 2022, Hobson joined an investment group that purchased the Denver Broncos.
The Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation made the lead gift to establish a residential college at Princeton University in October 2020.
In 2024, Hobson and her husband George Lucas provided funding for the restoration of Girish Kasaravalli's film Ghatashraddha, done by Film Heritage Foundation.
Born on April 3, 1969, in Chicago, Illinois, Mellody Hobson has established herself as a prominent figure in the financial industry. Her early life experiences shaped her understanding of financial independence, leading her to pursue a career focused on investments. She graduated from St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago in 1987 and earned her AB from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of International Relations and Public Policy in 1991. Shortly after her graduation, Hobson began her career at Ariel Investments, an investment management firm. Starting as an intern, she quickly advanced, becoming a senior vice president and director of marketing. By 2000, she was appointed President of Ariel Investments, one of the largest African American-owned money management and mutual fund companies in the US. In 2019, she was named Co-CEO of the firm, taking on responsibilities for management, strategic planning, and growth across all areas of Ariel. Her leadership has been instrumental in the firm’s trajectory, overseeing billions in assets.
Hobson’s career is marked by significant board appointments and advocacy for financial literacy. She served as the chairman of DreamWorks Animation, a position she held until the company’s acquisition by NBCUniversal in 2016. In 2017, she became the first African-American woman to lead The Economic Club of Chicago. Her influence expanded further when she joined the board of Starbucks Corporation, eventually becoming its chair in 2021, marking her as the first black woman to chair an S&P 500 company. She held this role until August 2024, transitioning to lead independent director. Her board memberships also include JPMorgan Chase & Co., the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, and previously, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Additionally, she has been a regular contributor and analyst on financial topics for CBS News and various television programs.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Hobson is a dedicated philanthropist and community advocate. She chairs After School Matters, a non-profit providing programs for Chicago teens, and co-chairs the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. In 2020, through the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation, she made a lead gift to establish a residential college at Princeton University. Her commitment to education and social impact earned her recognition on Time magazine’s 2015 ‘Time 100 List’ of the world’s most influential people. Mellody Hobson’s career reflects a sustained endeavor in financial leadership, strategic growth, and impactful community engagement.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
