Brian Singer '78

This year’s inductee into the Distinguished Alumni Society epitomizes personal commitment, work ethic, and service which has resulted in significant success in his professional career. Brian Singer ’78, CFA, is founder and co-CIO (Chief Investment Officer) of ViviFi Ventures, a private equity and credit portfolio manager. He was head of Dynamic Allocation Strategies group, the multi-asset and currency Portfolio Manager, member of the Risk Management Committee, and member of the Investment Management Executive Committee. 

Prior to joining William Blair in 2011, he was the founder, CEO, and CIO at Singer Partners, LLC. Previously, Brian was the head of Global Investment Solutions managing more than $200 billion of multi-asset and currency portfolios, and the Americas Chief Investment Officer for UBS Global Asset Management. He was a member of the UBS Group Managing Board and Global Asset Management Executive Committee. 

Formerly, Brian was a member of the CFA Institute Research Foundation Board of Trustees and a member and Chairman of the CFA Institute Board of Governors. He serves on the Endowment Investment Committee of the Exeter College at Oxford University and is Chairman of the Free to Choose Network, which is inspired by the ideas of economist Milton Friedman. He serves as a member of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Keystone Board. 

Brian co-wrote “Determinants of Portfolio Performance II: An Update” with Gary Brinson and Gilbert Beebower; this research serves as one of the pioneering studies on asset allocation. In 2009, Brian was the lead author of Investment Leadership and Portfolio Management, Wiley Publishing and has written several finance books, book chapters, journal articles, and white papers

Brian graduated with a BA in economics, Northwestern University and M.B.A. in international finance, University of Chicago. He served as a member of The Webb School Board of Trustees from 2014-2020.