Executive Director, Active ETFs and Active Indexed Strategies

The MSCI Index R&D team is a global client-centric research group that has full research ownership of all MSCI equity indexes and related frameworks in production throughout their lifecycle, whether flagship MSCI index products or client customized index solutions. This responsibility spans all factor, thematic, cap-weighted and sustainability & climate indexes. The group performs index policy research, index methodology consultations as well as market research in the context of MSCI’s market classification and accessibility reviews. Visible thought leadership and a strategic focus on ensuring all index methodologies remain relevant to investors globally is a key objective of the team.

This work spans indexes for benchmark use or as the basis for traded products and across all client segments. Foundational indexes based on the ever-expanding MSCI equity security universe, like the MSCI ACWI IMI, are a core responsibility in terms of their strategic design and rebalancing oversight. The group also works collaboratively with clients to help them meet their investment goals by enhancing their customized index solutions. This R&D effort requires innovation at scale to support proactively the building of capabilities in modelling, calculation, security coverage and data to meet client needs. The team is present in multiple locations across key regions.

The group works closely with other groups within R&D as well as across the firm (product, client coverage, data, technology) to implement the research and product development agenda and to benefit from the substantial resources and expertise of the global MSCI organization. The Executive Director will be based in London, reporting to the Global Head of Index R&D, and lead index research initiatives supporting MSCI engagement with active ETF providers. They will serve as a strategic partner in ensuring operational excellence in related active indexation oversight and rebalancing processes, guiding any custom indexation needed as part of the client solution, and delivering analytical insights whether via tools, data services or content.

You will be expected to:

• Partner with coverage and product teams to identify and develop opportunities with active ETF providers
• Deliver analytics, presentations and thought leadership content demonstrating MSCI index research capabilities in this fast-growing market segment
• Build trusted relationships with portfolio managers and product teams at client firms
• Map complex client investment strategies and needs onto MSCI index-based solutions
• Design and support hybrid active indexation methodologies that blend client and MSCI index inputs
• Conduct custom analytical work including portfolio diagnostics, factor exposures, and performance attribution
• Provide research-backed insights on index construction and optimization
• Stay current on active ETF industry trends and competitive landscape
• Oversee the operational execution of index rebalances for active ETF clients
• Ensure adherence to index methodologies and regulatory requirements
• Manage exception handling and help support communicating changes to stakeholders

10 -15 years’ experience in a quantitative or analytical role, preferably in portfolio management, index research, ETF product strategy, ETF product management, or in an investment decision tools company. Strong understanding of equity markets, portfolio and index construction, and the investment decision-making processes for different investor types, investment styles and in different asset classes. Experience of writing compelling product and research content aligned with needs of different investor audiences. Advanced degree in finance, science, engineering or another highly analytical field. Good practical programming skills in Python and hands-on familiarity with statistical and database packages and SQL. Experience with AI coding assistant and tools. High attention to detail, intellectual curiosity, and motivation. Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts to diverse client audiences.

What we offer you:

• Transparent compensation schemes and comprehensive employee benefits, tailored to your location, ensuring your financial security, health, and overall wellbeing.
• Flexible working arrangements, advanced technology, and collaborative workspaces.
• A culture of high performance and innovation where we experiment with new ideas and take responsibility for achieving results.
• A global network of talented colleagues, who inspire, support, and share their expertise to innovate and deliver for our clients.
• Global Orientation program to kickstart your journey, followed by access to our Learning@MSCI platform, AI Learning Center, LinkedIn Learning Pro and tailored learning opportunities for ongoing skills development.
• Multi-directional career paths that offer professional growth and development through new challenges, internal mobility and expanded roles.
• We actively nurture an environment that builds a sense of inclusion belonging and connection, including eight Employee Resource Groups.

At MSCI we are passionate about what we do, and we are inspired by our vision – to power better decisions. You’ll be part of an industry-leading network of creative, curious, and entrepreneurial pioneers. This is a space where you can challenge yourself, set new standards and perform beyond expectations for yourself, our clients, and our industry. MSCI strengthens global markets by connecting participants across the financial ecosystem with a common language. Our research-based data, analytics and indexes, supported by advanced technology, set standards for global investors and help our clients understand risks and opportunities so they can make better decisions and unlock innovation. We serve asset managers and owners, private-market sponsors and investors, hedge funds, wealth managers, banks, insurers and corporates.

MSCI Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the firm to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, disability, marital and civil partnership/union status, pregnancy (including unlawful discrimination on the basis of a legally protected parental leave), veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. MSCI is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please email Disability.Assistance@msci.com and indicate the specifics of the assistance needed. Please note, this e‑mail is intended only for individuals who are requesting a reasonable workplace accommodation; it is not intended for other inquiries.

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