HarbourVest Appoints Ex-Vanguard Exec Karin Risi to Its Board

Key Takeaways

Geography: United States.

Analysis

HarbourVest Partners, a global private markets investment firm managing over $143 billion in assets, has appointed Karin Risi, former Chief Strategy & Product Officer at Vanguard, to its Board as an Independent Director.

Risi brings more than three decades of experience in financial services and strategic leadership, having held multiple senior roles at Vanguard, one of the world’s largest investment firms with $10 trillion in assets. She joins Mitchell Harris, former CEO of BNY Mellon Investment Management, as the second Independent Director on HarbourVest’s Board.

“Karin is recognized for her leadership and strategic vision, and we are pleased to welcome her to HarbourVest’s Board as a Director,” said John M. Toomey, Jr., CEO of HarbourVest Partners. “As the firm continues to grow, Karin and Mitchell’s knowledge and experience will provide invaluable insights and perspective to the Board.”

During her tenure at Vanguard, Risi helped define the firm’s enterprise-wide strategy, drove client and revenue expansion, guided talent development, and influenced long-term capital allocation decisions. Her work directly contributed to Vanguard’s rise as a leader in low-cost, high-value investing globally.

Risi holds a BBA in Finance and an MBA from Villanova University. She concluded her career at Vanguard in late 2024, after serving in multiple executive roles reporting directly to the CEO since 2015.

HarbourVest’s strategic decision to bolster its Board with seasoned financial executives aligns with its global expansion and innovation goals in private markets investing. The firm, established over four decades ago, offers access to a diverse platform spanning primary funds, secondaries, co-investments, private credit, and real assets.

With more than 1,200 employees across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, and $62 billion committed to primary investments, HarbourVest continues to build out its governance and leadership framework in support of its long-term vision.