Michael Mendelson

Michael Mendelson is a Principal and portfolio manager at AQR Capital Management LLC, based in Los Angeles, CA, with over three decades of experience in the investment industry. At AQR, he manages both equity and macro strategies, oversees risk parity portfolios, and plays a key role in developing the firm’s investment infrastructure and risk management processes. He also serves on the firm's executive committee, strategic planning, and risk committees, providing leadership in portfolio financing and strategic client service.

His investment expertise covers a diverse set of asset classes, including equities, risk parity, and macro strategies—essentially dealing with liquid alternatives, systematic trading, and portfolio-level risk management. Mendelson has contributed significantly to the development of quantitative investment strategies and infrastructure within AQR, and his public policy involvement includes serving as a member of the board of directors of the Managed Funds Association and chairing its Trading and Markets Committee.

Prior to joining AQR, Mendelson founded the quantitative trading group at Goldman Sachs and served as a managing director there. He holds an S.B. in mathematics, management, and chemical engineering, plus an S.M. in chemical engineering from MIT, as well as an MBA from UCLA. Mendelson’s notable achievements include shaping industry standards and participating in regulatory discussions, positioning him as an influential voice in alternative investments, risk management, and portfolio strategy.