Northern Trust Strengthens Board with CBRE Executive's Technology and Financial Expertise

Northern Trust has tapped Chandra Dhandapani to join its Board of Directors, a strategic move that reinforces the wealth management and asset servicing firm’s commitment to digital transformation and operational excellence. Dhandapani, currently serving as senior advisor at CBRE Group Inc.—the globe’s premier commercial real estate services and investment enterprise—brings nearly two decades of combined experience across technology innovation, organizational leadership and financial services.

A Career Spanning Technology and Financial Services

The appointment underscores Northern Trust’s recognition of the critical importance of digital strategy in the financial industry. Dhandapani’s professional trajectory reveals deep expertise in managing large-scale organizational transformations. Most recently at CBRE, she oversaw the Global Workplace Solutions segment, driving facilities management, project execution and client transaction services across worldwide operations. Earlier in her tenure there, she simultaneously held the positions of Chief Transformation Officer—directing functions across people development, marketing, supply chain and real estate management—and Chief Operating Officer of the workplace solutions division. Her digitalization leadership proved instrumental in advancing the company’s technology capabilities globally.

Prior to CBRE, Dhandapani spent 17 years at Capital One Financial in progressively senior technology roles. Her final position as Digital Transformation Leader and Chief Information Officer of the Financial Services division positioned her at the forefront of modernizing operations within auto finance, mortgage, home equity and servicing operations. This extensive background in technology implementation within financial institutions makes her a valuable addition to Northern Trust’s strategic direction.

Why This Appointment Matters

“Chandra’s arrival strengthens our Board with precisely the kind of transformation-focused leadership we need,” said Michael O’Grady, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Northern Trust. “Her depth in technology strategy, operational excellence and financial services brings critical perspective as we navigate evolving market demands.”

Dhandapani holds multiple advanced degrees: a bachelor’s in Mathematics from Stella Maris College in India, an MBA in Marketing and Finance from the Institute of Rural Management Anand, and an MBA in Information Systems from University of Texas at Arlington. Beyond her corporate roles, she serves as Board Trustee at St. Mark’s School of Texas on the Education Committee and Trustees Committee.

About Northern Trust’s Scale and Presence

Founded in 1889, Northern Trust Corporation operates as a leading global provider of wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking solutions to corporations, institutions, affluent families and individuals. The Chicago-headquartered firm maintains a substantial footprint across 24 U.S. states plus Washington D.C., and operates in 22 additional locations spanning Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific markets. As of the first quarter of 2024, Northern Trust managed US$16.5 trillion in assets under custody and administration, alongside US$1.5 trillion in assets under management—testament to the firm’s market leadership and client trust built over 130+ years of operation.