David Swensen
David Swensen is a renowned investor, philanthropist, and endowment fund manager. As Yale’s Chief Investment Officer, he is responsible for managing the university’s more than $30 billion endowment assets and hundreds of millions of dollars in other investment funds. Under his stewardship throughout the past thirty-two years, the Yale Endowment generated returns of 13.5% per annum, a record unparalleled among institutional investors. Prior to joining Yale, Swensen spent six years on Wall Street, where his work focused on developing new financial technologies.
David Swensen Professional Experience / Academic History
Professional Experience
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Chief Investment Officer
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Senior Vice President
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Associate in Corporate Finance
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Yale Endowment Manager
Academic History
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Ph.D. in Economics
He has won numerous awards including:
- In 2012, the Yale Medal for outstanding individual service to the University
- In 2007, the Mory’s Cup for conspicuous service to Yale
- In 2007, the Hopkins Medal for commitment, devotion, and loyalty to Hopkins School
- In 2004, the Inaugural Institutional Investor Award for Excellence in Investment Management.
Throughout his 30 years managing the Yale Endowment Fund (which includes bonds and non-stock assets), Swensen succeeded at 13.9% of CAGR vs 10.7% for S&P 500