John W. Rogers, Jr.
Chairman, CEO & Chief Investment Officer of Ariel Investments; Portfolio Manager, Ariel Small, Small/Mid and Mid Cap Products; Lead Portfolio Manager, Ariel Fund & Ariel Appreciation Fund

John's passion for investing started when he was 12 years old when his father bought him stocks every birthday and every Christmas instead of toys. His interest grew while majoring in Economics at Princeton University. After graduation, he worked as a stockbroker for 2½ years at William Blair and Company, LLC — a regional investment banking firm. In 1983, at age 24, John founded Ariel Investments to focus on undervalued small and medium-sized companies showing strong growth potential. Patience served as the cornerstone of a disciplined approach that still drives the firm today. Beyond Ariel, John serves as a corporate board member for three Fortune 500 companies — Aon Corporation, Exelon Corporation and McDonald's Corporation. His civic mindedness is reflected in his roles as chairman of the board of the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, trustee of the University of Chicago, director of the Chicago Urban League and member of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. In 2008, John's dedication to the community was recognized when he was awarded Princeton's highest honor, the Woodrow Wilson Award, bestowed annually on a graduate whose career embodies a commitment to national service. Following the election of President Obama, John served as co-chair for the Presidential Inaugural Committee 2009. He received an AB in economics in 1980 from Princeton University where he was also captain of the varsity basketball team.

Learn more about Ariel Investments

Ariel Investment is not affiliated with ALPS Distributors, Inc.