President,
Turning Rock Partners
In the ever-evolving world of finance, where adaptability and foresight are paramount, Saba Ahmad has carved out a significant niche as a visionary leader. As the president of Turning Rock Partners, Ahmad’s journey from a public accountant to a formidable force in alternative investments, coupled with her dedication to fostering gender equity and diversity, mark her as a next-generation leader who is making a mark in the industry.
FROM AUDITOR TO FOUNDER
Ahmad’s career trajectory is a testament to her ability to navigate and excel in complex financial environments. Beginning as an auditor with PwC, she honed her skills in understanding the intricacies of financial statements and operations of large publicly traded companies. Her transition into operational due diligence in the early 2000s, a period of rapid growth for hedge funds and private equity, gave her a unique perspective on how firms structure their businesses and manage growth.
Joining Fortress Investment Group in 2008, Ahmad quickly rose through the ranks and became the chief operating officer of the partners fund group. She was the first woman and youngest person to hold such a role at Fortress. This achievement set the stage for her next major move: co-founding Turning Rock Partners.
Ahmad and her partners identified a market opportunity that they believed could be better pursued independently. Seven years later, Turning Rock stands as a testament to their vision, having grown into a respected name in the industry.
“I’m so proud of what we’ve built at Turning Rock,” Ahmad says. “It’s always a winding road when you’re building something. We’re so proud of that, proud of the team we’ve built, the portfolios we manage and the investors who have partnered with us.”
THE POWER OF DIVERSITY
Her leadership at Turning Rock Partners has been impactful. Nearly half of Turning Rock’s workforce are women, with 67% of partners being women, and over 80% of the investment team identifying as either a minority or a woman. This commitment to diversity is not just a statistic for Ahmad; it’s a reflection of her belief in the power of diverse perspectives to drive better decision-making and outcomes.
Ahmad’s dedication to supporting gender equity in the industry is both personal and professional. As a woman who has risen to the top in a male-dominated field, she understands the challenges that women face in finance. This understanding has fueled her passion for creating opportunities for women within her firm and the broader industry.
“My hope for the industry is that women are given more opportunities and also that women seize those opportunities when they come,” Ahmad says. “I hope that leaders start to really see the contributions of females in the industry.”
Ahmad’s efforts extend beyond her firm. Turning Rock Partners was a founding signatory of the Institutional Limited Partners Association (ILPA) Diversity in Action campaign, an initiative for diversity and inclusion in the investment industry. This campaign encourages firms to adopt and implement policies that promote diversity, equity and inclusion, and Ahmad is proud to be at the forefront of this movement.
Ahmad’s approach to leadership is both collaborative and resolute. She believes in giving her team the latitude to make decisions while ensuring that everyone stays aligned with the firm’s goals. Her ability to adapt and pivot when necessary has been crucial in navigating the challenges of running a growing firm.
As a next-generation leader, Ahmad sees a shift in how leadership is approached in the industry. She notes that her generation is more collaborative and open, focusing on the development of others rather than a “mecentric” culture. This shift is not just about being inclusive but also about recognizing that diverse leadership styles can lead to better outcomes for firms and their clients.
Looking ahead, Ahmad is committed to continuing her work in promoting diversity and improving company culture within the industry. She believes that by creating better cultures and more diverse workforces, the industry can attract more talent and ultimately perform better. For Ahmad, her vision for Turning Rock is that the firm will continue to grow and excel while staying true to its DE&I values.
In addition to her professional goals, Ahmad is passionate about maintaining a healthy work-life balance. She enjoys running, yoga, cooking and spending time with her family. This balance is essential for her, as it allows her to bring her best self to both her professional and personal life.
Ahmad is a leader who embodies the qualities of a next-generation icon: innovative, inclusive and impactful. Her career path highlights her ability to excel in challenging environments and create meaningful change. Her commitment to DE&I sets her apart as a leader who is not just shaping the future of her firm but also the broader investment industry.
As she continues to lead Turning Rock Partners into the future, Ahmad is a beacon of what the next generation of leaders can achieve when they combine expertise with a passion for positive change. •
