Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Ariel Investments
John W. Rogers, Jr.’s passion for investing began at age 12, when his father bought him stocks as Christmas and birthday gifts. His interest in equities grew while at Princeton University, where he received an AB in economics. John began his career as a stockbroker for William Blair. In 1983, he founded Ariel Investments to employ a patient, value strategy in small and medium-size companies. John serves on the boards of Exelon and McDonald’s, and is a trustee to the University of Chicago. Nationally, John is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a director of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights. In 2008, he received Princeton’s highest honor, the Woodrow Wilson Award. Following the election of President Barack Obama, John served as co-chair for the Presidential Inaugural Committee 2009. Today, he chairs the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability for Young Americans.