Dai Shi is a globally qualified financial expert (QFE) with extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), international expansion, initial public offerings (IPOs), asset management, and corporate governance. She brings strategic insight and a growth-oriented mindset, balanced by a disciplined focus on sustainable margins. Dai views the financial services industry as a first responder to economic well-being—an extraordinary responsibility that underscores its essential role in society.

As Chief Financial Officer of MissionSquare Retirement, Dai applies her financial expertise and strategic vision to drive sustainable growth and long-term value creation. Her leadership has been instrumental in revitalizing organizations facing turnaround challenges, implementing disciplined strategies to restore profitability and strengthen operational performance.

Previously, as Business Line CFO of Equitable (formerly AXA US), Dai contributed to the key deliverables that supported the company’s May 2018 IPO, including roadshow materials, presentations to credit rating agencies, Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A), and the S-1 registration statement. Following the IPO, she continued to provide strategic guidance—helping investors and the market interpret quarterly results while keeping business leaders informed of peer performance and broader industry developments.

During her tenure as Shadow CFO of AXA Asia from 2011 to 2015, Dai led multiple M&A transactions, most notably the €500 million AXA–Tian Ping acquisition in 2013. She played a critical role across the full deal lifecycle—from due diligence and valuation to negotiation and the design of governance frameworks to ensure seamless integration and long-term value creation. This transaction, along with other strategic joint ventures, significantly advanced AXA’s expansion in Asia, contributing to double-digit growth in both revenue and earnings.

Earlier in her career, Dai held senior management roles across the Life and Property & Casualty insurance sectors, where she developed deep expertise in capital deployment, risk management, regulatory compliance, and governance.

Born in Shanghai, Dai has built a truly global career, having lived and worked in Chicago, New York, Paris, Hong Kong, and Washington, D.C. Her international experience includes six years in Hong Kong, where she oversaw the financial performance of key markets including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and China. Having traveled to 84 countries for both business and leisure, Dai brings a nuanced understanding of developed and emerging markets, offering a distinctive perspective on global business challenges. She is board-certified, underscoring her formal training and expertise in corporate governance.

Dai is widely recognized for her strong communication skills and collaborative leadership style, which she brings to her board service. She currently serves on the Washington Ballet Company board as Development Committee Chair and is a member of the Executive Committee. She also serves as Chair of the Governance and Nominations Committee of the Illinois State Society. Most recently, Dai served on the MissionSquare Foundation board as Treasurer and previously chaired the Finance Committee of the Center for Public Administration and Service (CPAS). She has also served on the Finance and Compensation Committee of The Well NYC, a mission-driven, wellness-focused organization based in New York City.

Dai holds an MBA from the University of Illinois and a Certificate in Business Excellence from Wharton’s Global C-Suite Program. She was named one of the Top 50 Asian Americans in Business in 2025.