Ann Kono

About Ann Kono

Ms. Kono is a seasoned C-Suite leader in the finance industry, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Leda Advisory Group (“Leda”), an advisory firm she founded in January 2019. Leda specializes in partnering with asset managers to provide expert guidance on achieving growth and scalability. Her expertise extends beyond Leda, as she has also served as an independent director for Sabra REIT, a healthcare-focused fund, since December 2020. Her recent independent director appointments include Siepe, LLC, an asset management enterprise software firm, in July 2022 and Cathay General Bancorp in May 2024. Before establishing Leda, Ms. Kono spent 11 years at Ares Management Corporation, a prominent global alternative investment manager. During her tenure, she held the pivotal position of Chief Information and Risk Officer, where she oversaw Operational, Investment, and Enterprise Risks across the credit, private equity, and real estate business segments.Ms. Kono\'s impact transcends corporate boardrooms. She has a profound dedication to education and advancing Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) causes. As a co-founder of @teachaapi, she passionately advocates for weaving AAPI experiences into the broader American narrative, demonstrating her commitment to fostering inclusivity and understanding.Ann\'s multifaceted skill set encompasses corporate strategy, governance, cybersecurity program management, mergers and acquisitions integration, workforce optimization, institutional due diligence, enterprise risk management, data analytics, and systems implementation. Her ability to create leverage at all levels underscores her effectiveness in driving organizational success and innovation.

Experience

1. Member Board of Directors

   Cathay Bank

   May 2024 — Present · Los Angeles, CA, US

   With extensive experience in the finance industry, I am proud to serve as a Board Member at Cathay Bankcorp. Over the course of my career, I have held key leadership roles that span technology, risk management, and corporate governance. I have a proven track record in driving strategic initiatives and enhancing operational efficiencies. At Cathay Bankcorp, I am dedicated to promoting a culture of innovation and excellence, ensuring robust oversight, and driving sustainable growth. I am passionate about leveraging my expertise to support the bank’s mission and deliver exceptional value to our clients and stakeholders.\"

Education

• MIT Sloan School of Management

  Certificate, Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

• USC Marshall School of Business

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Finance, General

Skills

• Asset Management
• Business Transformation
• Investments
• Fixed Income
• Strategy
• Bonds
• Business Analysis
• Integration
• Software Project Management
• Financial Services
• Equities
• Derivatives
• Finance
• Bloomberg
• Risk Management
• Portfolio Management
• Asset Managment
• Corporate Finance
• Management
• Hedge Funds
• Change Management
• Capital Markets
• IT Strategy
• Investment Management
• Alternative Investments
• Private Equity