After more than four decades in the futures and commodities industry, I’m proud to reflect on a career built on integrity, collaboration, and strategic leadership. From my early days at the Chicago Board of Trade to senior roles at HSBC, Prudential, and most recently as Senior Vice President at ADM Investor Services, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside exceptional teams and help shape the evolution of our markets. Serving on the Board of the Futures Industry Association and the Business Conduct Committees of COMEX and NYMEX has been a true honor, and I remain deeply grateful for the relationships and experiences that defined my journey.

Michael A. Cacouris is a seasoned financial executive with over 35 years of experience in corporate finance, investment management, and restructuring. With a strong foundation in both fixed income and equity markets, he has led financial turnarounds, scaled businesses, and optimized capital structures across financial services, manufacturing, and technology startups. As a former co-CEO, hedge fund leader, and municipal finance advisor, Michael brings a unique blend of strategic vision, operational expertise, and risk management acumen to organizations seeking growth and stability. Fluent in French and Greek with international experience in Europe, he is a dynamic leader committed to driving financial and operational excellence.

Avijit Barua is a results-driven investment professional with extensive expertise in quantitative equity strategies, risk management, and asset allocation. With over a decade of experience in portfolio management and a strong foundation in military leadership, he combines analytical precision with strategic vision to optimize investment performance. Currently serving as Portfolio Manager at OPERS, he has successfully developed and managed systematic equity strategies, ESG and Climate portfolios, and innovative risk management solutions. His expertise in derivatives, capital management, and financial modeling has contributed to outperforming market benchmarks and strengthening institutional investment capabilities. With a proven track record of leadership and innovation, Avijit Barua continues to drive strategic growth in the financial industry.