Abigail Johnson is an American businesswoman and the current CEO of Fidelity Investments, one of the world’s largest financial services companies. She was born on December 19, 1961, in Boston, Massachusetts, into a family with a long history in the financial services industry. Her father, Edward C. Johnson III, founded Fidelity Investments in 1946, and Abigail was groomed from a young age to take over the family business.
Abigail Johnson attended Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Art History. She later earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School. After completing her studies, Johnson began working at Fidelity in 1988, starting in a low-level administrative position and working her way up through the ranks.
Johnson’s early work at Fidelity involved managing the company’s mutual fund business, where she gained a reputation as a savvy investor and an astute businesswoman. She rose quickly through the ranks, becoming president of Fidelity’s retail division in 2001, and president of Fidelity Financial Services in 2005. In 2014, she was named CEO of Fidelity, succeeding her father in the role.
Under Johnson’s leadership, Fidelity has continued to grow and expand its reach. The company now manages more than $3.3 trillion in assets, and has become a major player in the world of financial services. Johnson has also been a vocal advocate for improving diversity and inclusion in the financial industry, and has worked to promote women’s leadership in business.
As of 2021, Abigail Johnson’s net worth was estimated at $33 billion, making her one of the wealthiest women in the world. She has been recognized for her business acumen and philanthropy, receiving numerous awards and honors throughout her career.
In addition to her work at Fidelity, Johnson is also active in a variety of philanthropic and civic organizations. She serves on the board of trustees of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and is a member of the board of directors of the Financial Services Forum and the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association. She has also been a generous supporter of education and the arts, donating millions of dollars to organizations such as Boston Children’s Hospital and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.
Timeline of her:
- 1961: Abigail Johnson is born on December 19th in Boston, Massachusetts.
- 1984: Johnson graduates from Hobart and William Smith Colleges with a Bachelor of Arts in Art History.
- 1988: Johnson begins working at Fidelity Investments in a low-level administrative position.
- 1997: Johnson is promoted to lead Fidelity’s mutual fund business.
- 2001: Johnson becomes president of Fidelity’s retail division.
- 2005: Johnson is named president of Fidelity Financial Services.
- 2012: Johnson is appointed head of strategy for Fidelity.
- 2014: Johnson becomes CEO of Fidelity Investments, succeeding her father Edward C. Johnson III in the role.
- 2016: Johnson is named to Forbes’ list of the 100 Most Powerful Women in the World.
- 2020: Johnson is named to Fortune’s list of the World’s 50 Greatest Leaders.
- 2021: Johnson’s net worth is estimated at $33 billion, making her one of the wealthiest women in the world.
5 Interesting Facts about Abigail Johnson:
- Abigail Johnson is known for being a private person and rarely gives interviews or makes public appearances.
- Johnson is a dedicated marathon runner and has completed the Boston Marathon several times.
- She holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School.
- Johnson is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the financial industry and has established several initiatives to promote these values at Fidelity.
- Johnson is a noted philanthropist and serves as the president of the Fidelity Foundation, which has donated millions of dollars to various charitable causes.
5 Quotes from Abigail Johnson:
- “Diversity is not just a nice thing to have; it is essential to our success as a business.”
- “I’ve always believed in taking intelligent risks and pursuing opportunities that align with my values and passions.”
- “Our clients are our ultimate bosses, and we work for them, not the other way around.”
- “Leadership is about having a vision and a plan, and then inspiring others to work with you to make it happen.”
- “I’m a big believer in the idea that we can all learn from our mistakes and use those lessons to become better leaders and individuals.”
