Chief Operating Officer

Maria Pandolfo

917-***-**** **********@*****.*** linkedin.com/in/maria-pandolfo-8b78b51b/

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Visionary and strategic Chief Operating Officer with 15+ years of experience across both buy-side and sell-side businesses, specializing in business risk management, strategic initiatives, operational transformation, and asset management. Proven change agent with expertise in optimizing processes, mitigating risk, and driving substantial revenue growth in global organizations. Skilled in managing cross-functional teams and transforming businesses through impactful strategic initiatives. Known for building collaborative, high-performing teams and delivering strong, sustainable business results.

EXPERIENCE

Goldman Sachs & Co – Chief Operating Officer and Operational Risk Officer, QIS Group September 2011 – August 2024

The Quantitative Investment Strategies (QIS) group is a global quantitative group employing diversified investment strategies, including Beta, Equity Alpha, ESG, and Alternative Investments. These strategies leverage advanced machine learning techniques across Private Wealth Separate Accounts, Institutional Accounts, Funds, ETFs, and Systematic Trading.

• Spearheaded strategic initiatives across QIS strategies, growing assets under management from $32 billion to $260 billion, with a 400% increase in revenue.

• Directed the integration of acquired companies and the creation of new investment businesses, leading to $30 million in annual assets under management and $10 million in revenue.

• Led major technology projects that streamlined workflows and implemented a comprehensive risk management framework, reducing operational risk exposure by 90%.

• Expanded the data group by implementing control processes that improved data analytics and enhanced decision- making.

• Oversaw financial planning including client forecasting, budgeting, and approval of new business initiatives, ensuring operational continuity and scalability.

• Ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements, achieving zero violations in a highly controlled environment.

• Collaborated extensively with Legal, Compliance, Audit, Human Resources, Operations, and Employee Relations to maintain business integrity.

• Managed the day-to-day and provided oversight for non-investment aspects including portfolio construction, systematic trading, new technology initiatives, project management, index creation, business planning, budgeting, and compensation. Additional Experience

Goldman Sachs & Co – Chief Operating Officer and Operational Risk Officer, STRAT Group The STRAT group at Goldman Sachs focuses on quantitative and technical development across the firm’s revenue- generating divisions, including High-Frequency Trading, Derivative Modeling, Institutional Client Solutions, Investment Banking, Asset Management, and Private Wealth Management. Known for its innovative and entrepreneurial approach, the group provides a competitive edge through data-driven solutions.

• Played a pivotal role in expanding the STRAT group from 80 to over 1,000 employees, driving quantitative and technical development in global business units.

• Led a Control Group and established governance frameworks, procedures, and policies.

• Managed an operating budget of $1 billion, and oversaw business planning, headcount management, immigration process, compensation, and the creation and expansion of global offices. SKILLS

Strategic Planning & Execution, Operational Efficiency, Operational and Business Risk Management, Data Governance, Financial Management, Project Management, Process Optimization, Mergers & Integration, Compliance & Regulatory Oversight, Team Leadership, and HR Expertise.

EDUCATION

St. John’s University, New York - Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies and Business Administration

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