This US-based firm takes a systematic approach to active fund management.

Dimensional Fund Advisors has announced that its global research head, Savina Rizova, will become co-chief investment officer alongside co-CEO Gerard O’Reilly. The appointment takes effect from the start of February.

Rizova, who joined Dimensional  – a firm headquartered in Austin, Texas (pictured) – in 2004, has led its research department since 2017. She holds a PhD in finance and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Austin

In the role, Rizova works with academics – from Eugene Fama and Robert Merton to Robert Novy-Marx and Marco Di Maggio – collaborating on research, co-authoring papers, and partnering with Dimensional’s broader investment team to implement thorough research in live portfolios. 

The firm has also named Brad Steiman as president of its Canadian business. Steiman was formerly head of the wealth management group for Dimensional Fund Advisors Canada ULC. And chief talent officer Stacey Winning will become global co-head of human resources alongside HR chief Aaron Marcus. These appointments are also effective as of February 1.

Steiman launched Dimensional Canada’s financial advisor business and opened its Vancouver office shortly after joining Dimensional in 2002. Winning joined the business in 2012.

Dimensional, founded in 1981, has 15 offices across North America, Europe, and Asia. As of December 31, 2023, Dimensional manages $677 billion. This news service spoke late last year to the firm about its investment philosophy.