BNY Mellon Investment Management Appoints Hanneke Smits as New CEO

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BNY Mellon) has appointed Hanneke Smits to take over as CEO of BNY Mellon Investment Management, which includes both of its Wealth and Investment Management businesses. She replaces Mitchell Harris, who intends to retire effective October 1, 2020. Smits will report to Todd Gibbons, CEO of BNY Mellon, and will join BNY Mellon’s Executive Committee. 

Originally from the Netherlands, Smits earned a BBA from Nijenrode University and an MBA from the London Business School. From 2001 to 2014, she served on the Executive Committee at private equity firm Adams Street Partners, acting as Chief Investment Officer from 2008 to 2014. Smits serves on the board of the Investment Association as Non-Executive Director to the Court of the Bank of England. She is Chair Trustee of the Education Endowment Foundation of Impetus, and co-founder and former Chair of Level 20, a non-profit women’s organization. 

Smits has served as CEO of Newton Investment Management, a subsidiary of BNY Mellon, since August 2016. Smits said, “We will build on this strong foundation to continue to drive performance and innovation across our investment products, while also serving as a trusted partner for our clients in today’s rapidly changing investment environment.” Smits will continue as CEO of Newton until October 1, and over the next several months, will work closely with Mitchell to ensure a smooth transition.