Lauren Michalak is Managing Director and Head of Product Development and Strategy at XA Investments. Lauren oversees the firm’s proprietary fund platform, responsible for its expansion, positioning and design. She also plays a critical role supporting the firm’s consulting practice where she manages current and prospective client engagements and relationships.
Previously, Lauren spent 20 years at Nuveen in high-profile roles leading product development, business transformation and strategic initiatives. She was responsible for all stages of the product development process across closed-end funds, commodity pools and unit trusts, raising over $15 billion of new capital. Lauren served as in-house consultant where she led cross-functional teams to execute multi-year strategic priorities, most notably the transformation of Nuveen’s investment team operating model. Most recently, Lauren served as Head of Strategy for Nuveen’s Responsible Investment business line, providing strategic direction to the firm’s sustainability-focused investment processes and products.
Lauren received her MBA degree from University of Chicago Booth School of Business and earned her BA in Economics from Loyola University Chicago with Highest Honors. She is actively involved in the alumni communities at both universities. Lauren is also Series 7 and 63 licensed.