Michael Holt, CFA

Michael Holt, CFA, holds the dual leadership positions of Chief Strategy Officer and President of Research, Investments, and Analytics at Morningstar. In his role as Chief Strategy Officer, he collaborates closely with the executive team and board to shape strategic positioning, capital allocation, and M&A activities, driving sustained growth and success.

In his role as President of Research, Investments, and Analytics, Holt manages Morningstar’s fundamental research, manager selection, and investment activities, upholding rigorous analysis. He also heads the Analytics function, including quantitative research, advice methodologies, risk assessment, engineering, operations, and management of research offerings, delivering data-driven insights to clients. His group also ensures the independence of Morningstar’s ratings methodologies, championing investors through unbiased editorial and thought leadership. Through these roles, Holt propels Morningstar’s strategic growth, research excellence, and global influence.

Before assuming the strategy role in 2018, Holt was global head of equity research, leading a team of more than 100 analysts responsible for providing in-depth, fundamental equity research on approximately 1,500 companies around the world. He previously served as director of North American equity research, associate director for the technology equity research team, and senior analyst. He was an associate for Municipal Mortgage & Equity and spent four years in the software industry before joining Morningstar in 2008.

Holt holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and bachelor’s degree in business from Indiana University. Holt also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation.