BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has announced the promotion of Jay Jacobs to Managing Director and U.S. Head of Equity ETFs. In his new role, Jacobs will lead the firm’s strategy, development, and distribution of equity exchange-traded funds (ETFs) across the United States.
Jacobs’ appointment reflects BlackRock’s continued investment in its ETF platform, particularly as investor demand for accessible, low-cost, and diversified investment strategies continues to accelerate. As U.S. Head of Equity ETFs, Jacobs will oversee one of the most significant segments of BlackRock’s iShares business.
Jacobs joined BlackRock in 2022 as U.S. Head of Thematics and Active Equity ETFs, where he played a key role in shaping the firm’s thematic investing strategy. Under his leadership, BlackRock significantly expanded its suite of thematic ETFs, introducing funds focused on future-forward sectors such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, and healthcare innovation.
Prior to joining BlackRock, Jacobs served as Head of Research and Strategy at Global X ETFs, where he led the firm’s research division and was a prominent voice in the thematic investing space. He is frequently cited in major financial media and is known for his thought leadership on megatrends and disruptive innovation.
Jacobs’ promotion comes at a pivotal moment for the ETF industry, which has seen rapid growth and transformation over the past decade. Equity ETFs in particular have become a cornerstone of both retail and institutional portfolios, offering efficient access to a wide range of markets, sectors, and investment styles.
In his new position, Jacobs will work closely with teams across product development, distribution, and marketing to align ETF offerings with client objectives. His focus will include expanding factor-based strategies, deepening BlackRock’s presence in sector and thematic ETFs, and enhancing the firm’s ability to deliver long-term value through index-based equity investing.
Jacobs holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He will continue to be based in BlackRock’s New York office.
With this appointment, BlackRock reinforces its leadership in the ETF space and signals its ongoing commitment to innovation and client-centric growth in the U.S. equity market.
