Juan J. Martinez

Knight Foundation

The Knight Foundation is serious about changing the face and complexion of the investment management industry. Armed with the best research demonstrating the disparities that exist in the investment management industry and publicizing the commitment or lack thereof of other institutional investors, the foundation is having a real and sustainable impact. The foundation began by being hard on itself and holding itself to a higher standard. In 2010, Knight Foundation leadership was asked how much of its multibillion-dollar endowment was invested with diverse-owned firms, meaning firms owned by women and people of color. The results revealed that they were not living one of the foundation’s values: its commitment to equitable, inclusive, and engaged communities. Today, over one-third of the endowment, or about $1.07 billion, is managed by diverse-owned firms. Juan Martinez joined Knight Foundation in 2002. As a member of Knight’s executive committee, Martinez is a partner in the development and implementation of the foundation’s strategy. He is responsible for the foundation’s financial management, reporting and regulatory compliance, overseeing the management of its $2.5 billion investment portfolio, and partnering with program staff in development of grants and program-related investments.