The director of investments at Emory University was named chief investment officer at Vanderbilt University, responsible for managing its $3.4 billion endowment.
Matthew Wright, 39, will assume his duties at Vanderbilt on July 30. He will oversee the investment office responsible for managing the university’s investment portfolio that includes traditional investments as well as alternatives such as real estate, hedge funds and private market investments.
Wright succeeds William T. Spitz, who announced his retirement last year, effective upon the appointment of his successor. Spitz, chief investment officer for Vanderbilt for 21 years, will continue teaching at the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt.
“In Matthew Wright, Vanderbilt has recruited a chief investment officer who will continue the great momentum that Bill Spitz has built over the past two decades”, said Vanderbilt Chancellor Gordon Gee. “Matthew is one of the brightest stars in the investment constellation. I look forward to welcoming Matthew and his family to the Vanderbilt community.”
Wright said he was “very excited about this opportunity.”
“I’m looking forward to building on my experience at Emory helping to nurture Vanderbilt’s growth.”
Wright is a graduate of Seton Hall University and the William E. Simon Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of Rochester. He was a member of the investment team responsible for overseeing the Xerox Corporation Pension and managed institutional client portfolios at Bank of America Capital Management prior to joining Emory in 2001.
At Emory, Wright helped manage a $5 billion portfolio and reported to Mary Cahill, vice president of investments and chief investment officer.
“Emory University and its long-term investment pool have benefited greatly from Matt’s investment expertise and rigorous analysis, relentless focus on quality returns, and creativity,” Cahill said. “Since joining Emory in 2001, Matt has contributed significantly to diversifying assets, reducing risk, and finding global opportunities to add value to Emory’s investment pool. Matt is a terrific colleague and we are happy for his success and wish him well in his new
endeavor.”
Wright will move to Nashville with his wife and two daughters.
Media contact: Jim Patterson, (615) 322-NEWS
jim.patterson@vanderbilt.edu