CFA Institute Research Foundation Appoints Lionel Martellini to Research Director Role
CFA Institute Research Foundation, an affiliate organization of CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, has appointed Lionel Martellini, PhD, a professor of Finance at EDHEC Business School in France, to the role of Research Director of the Research Foundation, effective 1 September 2025.
Professor Martellini joins Co-Research Director Luis Garcia-Feijoo, PhD, CFA, CIPM, in leading the Research Foundation’s work providing independent, high-quality research to infuse the finance community with knowledge, education, and ideas for better investment decision-making.
A globally recognized expert in finance, Professor Martellini brings a wealth of experience and academic distinction to the role. Martellini is best known for his work in asset management, portfolio construction, and risk management. In addition to his work as a professor at EDHEC, he is the former director of the EDHEC-Risk Institute and has held numerous advisory roles with leading financial organizations worldwide.
Jeffery Bailey, CFA, Chair, CFA Institute Research Foundation, comments:
“We are thrilled to welcome Professor Martellini as Research Director. His deep knowledge and commitment to rigorous research will advance our mission to provide investors and practitioners with world-class insights.”
Professor Martellini will work with the Research Foundation’s Research Committee to promote the Foundation’s research agenda, collaborate with leading academics and industry practitioners, and help shape the future of investment knowledge.
Lionel Martellini adds:
“I am honored to follow in the footsteps of Larry Siegel and to join the CFA Institute Research Foundation as Research Director. Bringing relevant academic insight to enhance investment practices has been my main focus as Director of EDHEC-Risk Institute, and I now look forward to working with Luis, the Research Foundation’s Research Committee, and the broader financial community to continue driving innovation and thought leadership for the benefit of investment professionals and society.”
The CFA Institute Research Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that sponsors independent, in-depth research on issues vital to global investors and investment professionals. Since its founding in 1965, it has provided unbiased, high-quality insights to advance knowledge, support education, and promote better investment decision-making worldwide. Explore the Research Foundation’s 60 years of impact at https://rpc.cfainstitute.org/research/celebrating-research-excellence/60-years-research-foundation-anniversary.
About CFA Institute
As the global association of investment professionals, CFA Institute sets the standards for professional excellence and credentials. We champion ethical behavior in investment markets and serve as the leading source of learning and research for the investment industry. We believe in fostering an environment where investors’ interests come first, markets function at their best, and economies grow. With more than 200,000 charterholders worldwide across more than 160 markets, CFA Institute has 9 offices and 158 local societies. Find us at www.cfainstitute.org or follow us on LinkedIn.
About EDHEC Business School
EDHEC Business School, a leader in management education in Europe since 1906, has been ranked 7th Best Business School in Europe by the Financial Times for three straight years. EDHEC's 2024-2028 strategic plan – Generations 2050 – reflects the school's commitment to driving the world’s most significant economic, social, and environmental transformations through impactful education and research. Learn more at: https://www.edhec.edu/en.