Jeff Gatto Appointed IAS Chief Investment Officer

Jeffrey L. Gatto has been appointed Chief Investment Officer of the Institute for Advanced Study, effective December 1, 2020. Gatto will manage the Institute’s endowment, now standing at more than $800 million, and he will lead the IAS investment team.

Gatto joined the Institute in August 2014 as Investment Director and has since played a pivotal role in growing the Institute’s financial portfolio year after year. The success achieved by the investment team has ensured a firm financial footing for the Institute to continue fostering scholarship at the highest levels and to build on a legacy of educational achievement and innovation. In his new role, Gatto will work closely with the Investment Committee of the Institute’s Board of Trustees in managing the Institute’s endowment. He succeeds Mark Baumgartner, who served as Chief Investment Officer from 2014 to 2020.

“Jeff’s appointment as CIO is a win-win for the Institute,” stated Robbert Dijkgraaf, IAS Director and Leon Levy Professor. “Jeff has already delivered a consistent track record of success for IAS endowment management, navigating a highly volatile market. IAS will continue to be the beneficiary of Jeff’s financial acumen, vision, and commitment to advancing our overall mission.”

Gatto was previously Associate Director responsible for helping to build a multi-billion-dollar portfolio of hedge funds at the Ford Foundation. He also previously served as Vice President for Global Portfolio Solutions at Morgan Stanley Investment Management. Additionally, Gatto held a Vice President and Director of Operations position with the Varsity Group and was an Associate and Analyst with Dean & Company.

“I am excited for the opportunity to continue my support of the Institute in a broader role,” said Gatto. “I look forward to working closely with the Investment Committee and staff to enable the Faculty and scholars to pursue their critical mission.”

Gatto received a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School, a Master of Science in Engineering from Princeton University, and Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Pennsylvania State University. He also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst certifications.

About the Institute
The Institute for Advanced Study is one of the world's foremost centers for theoretical research and intellectual inquiry. Located in Princeton, N.J., the IAS is dedicated to independent study across the sciences and humanities. Founded in 1930, the Institute is devoted to advancing the frontiers of knowledge without concern for immediate application. From founding IAS Professor Albert Einstein to the foremost thinkers of today, the IAS enables bold, curiosity-driven innovation to enrich society in unexpected ways.

Each year, the Institute welcomes more than 200 of the world's most promising post-doctoral researchers and scholars who are selected and mentored by a permanent Faculty, each of whom are preeminent leaders in their fields. Among present and past Faculty and Members there have been 35 Nobel Laureates, 42 of the 60 Fields Medalists, and 19 of the 22 Abel Prize Laureates, as well as many MacArthur Fellows and Wolf Prize winners.