An ETF subadvisor in Georgia now has a new boss.

Amrita Nandakumar Vident Investment Advisory President

Vince Birley, president of Vident Financial [profile], confirms that Amrita Nandakumar (Bagaria) has joined Atlanta-based Vident Investment Advisory (VIA), a subsidiary of Vident Financial, as president. Nandakumar most recently served as director of corporate strategy and development at VanEck.

A spokesperson for VanEck did not immediately return a call for comment.

Nandakumar will oversee all strategic initiatives and will provide daily oversight and management of the VIA subadvisory business. She will lead a team of portfolio managers, traders, and operations and compliance professionals.

Her hiring comes following the passing of Denise Krisko this past June. Birley of Vident Financial has been serving as VIA's interim president since Krisko's death.

"Denise was a giant of our industry, and it is an incredible honor to step into the role she built," Nandakumar stated, adding that it's "particularly exciting to be joining VIA at this stage of not only the firm's continued growth but amidst such an exciting period of change in the fund industry overall."

"The ETF ecosystem is quickly coming to understand the value of a trusted sub-advisory relationship, and we're seeing the same kind of interest from across the rest of the '40 Act space and private funds as well," Nandakumar stated, lauding "the depth and breadth of VIA's service offerings and the strength of the team."

"As we embarked upon our search to fill this key role, we relied heavily on input from our friends and colleagues across the fund industry, including those in senior roles with major exchanges, trading firms, sponsors and elsewhere; and the more people we spoke with, the more one name came kept coming up: Amrita Nandakumar," Birley stated. "Her reputation already precedes her, and we welcome her to this role and look forward to the leadership and creativity she will bring to VIA going forward."

Deborah Kimery, CEO of Vident Advisory, lauds Nandakumar as "an inspiring leader who will focus on continued growth and managing the business wisely." "To add someone of Amrita's caliber to the Vident executive team in this role is a tremendous step towards stewarding the ongoing growth of the VIA business," Kimery stated. "I join Vince and all of my colleagues in giving Amrita the warmest of welcomes to the Vident family."

A George Washington University graduate, Nandakumar served at VanEck for seven years as director, corporate strategy and development, as well as senior ETF product manager. Prior, she served at Vanguard for three years as senior investment consultant, ETF product management, and corporate strategy. Nandakumar also served in the U.S. Department of Defense for two years as contract negotiator in the office of naval research.  

Stay ahead of the news ... Sign up for our email alerts now
CLICK HERE