Zhuoying “Joy” Xu, CFA, is a senior director at Verizon Investment Management Corp., contributing her extensive expertise to the financial services industry. Her career illustrates a steady rise through the ranks of Verizon, beginning in 2001, becoming a trusted leader. Ms. Xu earned a Master of Science in finance from the Boston College Carroll School of Management, and a bachelor’s degree from Tianjin University of Technology in China in 1990. With a robust educational foundation and the chartered financial analyst (CFA) credential, she has continually refined her skills and deepened her commitment to lifelong learning.
Ms. Xu’s professional journey includes more than two decades at Verizon, during which she has taken on progressive roles with significant responsibility. After starting her career as a risk analyst at BlackRock and then as an associate of investment banking at Merrill Lynch & Inc., Ms. Xu joined Verizon Communications as a manager of business development. Her success in managing critical financial operations led to roles in investor relations, ultimately advancing to her current position at Verizon Investment Management Corp.
As a senior director, Ms. Xu has achieved exceptional results. Under her management, Verizon’s pension fund reached an impressive funding status of 90%, up from 75%—a milestone that strengthens alignment between assets and liabilities. Additionally, Ms. Xu has overseen the overlay portfolio for Verizon’s pension fund, generating more than $1.1 billion in profit. Her strategic leadership of the Global Tactical Asset Allocation Program has also contributed more than $1 billion in profit, demonstrating her acumen in portfolio management and risk assessment. A key achievement in Ms. Xu’s career has been her decision to maintain a U.S.-centric focus for the pension fund portfolio, despite prevailing global investment trends. By carefully researching and evaluating the U.S. market, she chose to forgo widespread advice to diversify internationally, which ultimately yielded substantial profits for Verizon’s pension fund.
Ms. Xu’s expertise extends beyond her professional obligations. She serves on the board of advisors for M2M Capital and is a member of the CFA Institute and the New York Society of Securities Analysts. She also dedicates time to organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City and Girls Who Invest, providing mentorship and guidance to the next generation of financial professionals. Her commitment to these organizations shows her desire to help young women enter the investment industry.
Ms. Xu credits her success to the unwavering support she received from colleagues, mentors, and business partners. She expresses deep gratitude for those who provided valuable guidance, reinforcing her passion for the United States and its unique capital markets. Her journey from communist China, where economic opportunity was limited, to a thriving career in the U.S. has given her a unique perspective on the importance of freedom, innovation, and the rule of law in shaping prosperous economies. Her interest in capital markets emerged early, fueled by a fascination with how venture capitalists and financial markets drive economic growth.
As she looks forward, Ms. Xu aspires to advance to the role of chief investment officer, particularly in the health care sector, seeing immense potential to fund essential research and drug development. This ambition mirrors her broader goal of contributing to society through impactful investments. Her strong desire to serve the health care industry also underscores her passion for using her skills and experience to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, extending beyond U.S. borders. Ms. Xu’s approach to the investment industry emphasizes self-confidence, continual learning, and open dialogue. In an industry historically dominated by men, she advises others not to underestimate themselves, advocating for active engagement and collaboration. Her emphasis on personal and professional growth is a testament to her willingness to learn from experts.
Ms. Xu is proud of making sound investment decisions that benefit Verizon’s retirees. She believes in taking ownership of her responsibilities, viewing her work as more than a job and as her duty to ensure that retirees receive the benefits they have earned. Her dedication to serving Verizon’s retirees and her sense of responsibility to safeguard their financial futures motivate her to make thoughtful and strategic choices. Most importantly, she is a supportive mother to her two sons. Her personal and professional values are evident in her devotion to family, community, and the investment industry. She aspires to be known as someone who took responsibility, pursued excellence, and made a positive impact at home and in her field.
In her spare time, Ms. Xu enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, biking, reading, and listening to classical music, which balances her demanding career and reflects her love of learning and exploration. Her distinguished career, characterized by strategic decision-making, is a model for others in the financial industry. Ms. Xu’s commitment to mentorship, support for emerging talent, and drive to improve the lives of retirees and future generations highlight her as a leader who values personal success and societal impact.