After a summer internship in 2000 at Morgan Stanley, Sharon Yeshaya joined the financial services giant as an investment banking analyst the following year. Since then, she's climbed the corporate ranks in eight different roles. She's held her current position — executive vice president and chief financial officer — since 2021.
Her career trajectory, however, hasn't been a smooth climb. As a female executive and the daughter of immigrant parents, Yeshaya openly acknowledges the challenges she has faced. But rather than let those challenges knock her down, she embraces them as "opportunities to grow." These challenges "teach me to ground myself in preparation, remain focused on the long term, and make decisions with intention," said Yeshaya.
It's that preparation, long-term focus and intentional decision-making that have helped her gain a seat in the C-suite at the $7.9 trillion-asset Morgan Stanley. Today, she sits on the firm's operating and management committees.
As CFO, Yeshaya helped Morgan Stanley notch a 14% year-over-year rise in revenue in fiscal 2024 and an 18.8% year-over-year bump in return on tangible common equity. In addition, the company recorded an expense efficiency ratio of 71% in 2024, down from 77% the previous year.
Amid market uncertainty, global economic concerns and shifting regulations, Yeshaya said, Morgan Stanley has remained focused on the fundamentals — managing risk, practicing expense discipline and supporting clients across business units — while still leaning into business segments that are showing momentum.
Yeshaya said the company's strategy "continues to prove it does what it is designed to do, and provide stability in times of stress and value to our clients when markets are active."
Among her responsibilities, Yeshaya monitors business conditions and key performance and risk metrics, oversees regulatory compliance, and manages the firm's resources and capital.
On a more personal note, Yeshaya carves out time to mentor Morgan Stanley employees. She meets with new Morgan Stanley analysts and supports companywide affinity groups, for example.
"Once you've found your place at the table, you become aware of others that are still finding theirs," Yeshaya said. "If I can help others feel that their voice matters, that they belong here, that they can grow here, that is part of the story I want to help tell."
Throughout her career, Yeshaya has enjoyed support from mentors and leaders who she said "helped create space for growth."
"Rather than planning every step," she said, "I was guided by a commitment to learn, contribute in new ways, and make a difference. What this path gave me was perspective — each of these steps added depth to how I approach my role today."
