S&P Dow Jones Indices Welcomes Catherine Clay as New CEO in Major Leadership Transition
S&P Dow Jones Indices Leadership Transition
On October 2, 2025, S&P Dow Jones Indices (S&P DJI) made a significant announcement regarding its leadership. The organization appointed Catherine Clay as the new CEO, who will begin her tenure on November 1, 2025. Clay succeeds Dan Draper, who will remain with the company as a Special Advisor for a transitional period post-appointment.
New Roles and Responsibilities
Catherine Clay's appointment is strategic, reflecting S&P DJI’s commitment to innovation and leading the global index market. She will report directly to Martina Cheung, the President and CEO of S&P Global, and is set to join the Executive Leadership Team at S&P Global's headquarters in New York.
Prior to this new role, Clay served as the Executive Vice President and Global Head of Derivatives at Cboe Global Markets. Here, she spearheaded the global options and futures businesses, along with leading their Data Vantage initiative across numerous regions including the U.S., Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East. Her extensive background encompasses vital aspects of derivatives markets, digital assets, data analytics, and financial technology—elements crucial for the evolving landscape of financial services.
Vision for the Future
In her new role, Clay expressed enthusiasm about embracing the responsibilities linked to the CEO position. She focused on the company's mission to build robust and reliable benchmarks for diverse investors. "I am honored to take on the role of CEO at S&P Dow Jones Indices and excited to lead a team that is at the forefront of building trusted benchmarks for every investor," stated Clay.
Martina Cheung shared her optimistic outlook on Clay’s leadership, mentioning, "Her forward-thinking mindset and customer-centric approach are essential for the future of S&P DJI. We are thrilled to welcome Catherine to the team, especially as we continue to solidify our position as the leading provider of financial market benchmarks, data, and research."
Acknowledging Dan Draper's Contributions
As Clay prepares to take the helm, it is important to recognize Dan Draper’s five-plus-year leadership at S&P DJI. Under Draper’s guidance, the organization expanded its strategic initiatives, driving growth and acquiring businesses that diversified its offerings. Draper remarked, "I have every confidence in the future of our company under the leadership of Catherine. Her fresh insights and unique strengths will propel S&P DJI to new heights."
The transition reflects a thoughtful succession strategy designed to ensure continuity while also adapting to market changes. With Clay’s vision, S&P DJI aims to maintain its reputation for delivering high-quality benchmarks that meet the changing requirements of the wealth management industry.
Looking Ahead
Catherine Clay brings a wealth of expertise to her new position, ensuring that S&P Dow Jones Indices is well-equipped to navigate the future complexities of financial markets. As she prepares to assume her role, both the organization and its stakeholders are eager to see how her leadership will shape the next chapter for one of the world’s leading index providers.
In conclusion, the leadership transition at S&P Dow Jones Indices is not merely a change of personnel but a thoughtful maneuver toward continued excellence in a dynamic market. With Catherine Clay at the forefront, S&P DJI is poised to reach new heights in delivering index solutions that are both innovative and impactful.