Abigail Johnson’s ascension to CEO at privately held Fidelity Investments in October ended years of speculation about her father’s plans for the leadership of the $1.98 trillion-in-assets firm. Her father, Edward (Ned) Johnson III, has been CEO since 1977. It’s a good thing succession has finally been settled, because Fidelity plays a major role in pensions, particularly defined contribution plans. The Boston-based firm is the largest 401(k) recordkeeper in the U.S. and a huge player in the 403(b) market, providing Fidelity funds and advice to millions of participants. Of Fidelity’s total assets, $1.2 trillion are earmarked for retirement, some 61 percent of the firm’s managed assets. Although Johnson, 52, has historically kept a low profile, she has a number of major issues to contend with, including Fidelity’s move into actively managed exchange-traded funds, which are increasingly popular in 401(k)s. Johnson became president of Fidelity’s holding company a year ago and headed Fidelity Investments Financial Services beginning in 2012. Before that she had a number of jobs in asset management, including serving as president of the unit. Johnson also managed a number of mutual funds, was a director in the equity division and has overseen technology, including Fidelity’s equities investment systems. Johnson got a taste of the family business in the summer between high school and college: Before attending Hobart and William Smith Colleges, she dealt directly with clients, taking customer orders. After graduating from Harvard Business School in 1988, Johnson formally started at Fidelity as an analyst and portfolio manager.
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Abigail Johnson
Chief Executive Officer
Fidelity Investments
PNR
The 2014 Pension 40