MSCI Appoints Kashi Kakarla as Chief Technology Officer
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 11 hours ago
0mins
MSCI (MSCI) appointed Kashi Kakarla as Chief Technology Officer and Head of Product Engineering, effective June 22. He will report to Henry Fernandez, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and will serve on MSCI's Management Committee. Kakarla joins from Intuit (INTU)
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Analyst Views on MSCI
Wall Street analysts forecast MSCI stock price to rise
9 Analyst Rating
7 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 630.270
Low
570.00
Averages
648.88
High
710.00
Current: 630.270
Low
570.00
Averages
648.88
High
710.00
About MSCI
MSCI Inc. (MSCI) is a provider of critical decision support tools and solutions for the global investment community. The Company operates through four segments: Index, Analytics, ESG and Climate, and All Other-Private Assets. The Index segment offers products, such as MSCI Global Equity Indexes, ESG and Climate Indexes, Factor Indexes, Thematic Indexes, Client-Designed Indexes, Fixed Income Indexes and Real Assets Indexes. The Analytics segment offers risk management, performance attribution and portfolio management content, applications and services. Its ESG and Climate segment offerings include MSCI ESG Ratings, MSCI ESG Business Involvement Screening Research, and MSCI Climate Solutions. The Company's All Other-Private Assets segment comprises the Real Assets segment and Private Capital Solutions segment. The Real Assets segment offers data, benchmarks, return-analytics, climate assessments and market insights for tangible assets such as real estate and infrastructure.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
MSCI Appoints New Chief Technology Officer
- Executive Appointment: MSCI announced the appointment of Kashi Kakarla as Chief Technology Officer and Head of Product Engineering effective June 22, reporting to Chairman and CEO Henry Fernandez, which is expected to drive innovation in technology and products.
- Technology Leadership: Kakarla will lead product technology and engineering across all product lines and client segments at MSCI, aiming to enhance the company's competitiveness in AI and technology transformation, thereby strengthening its market position.
- Silicon Valley Office: He will also establish a new MSCI office in Silicon Valley as an innovation and talent center, emphasizing the company's commitment to technological advancement and transformation in AI.
- Extensive Experience: Kakarla brings 17 years of experience from Intuit, where he transformed multiple products and platforms, most recently leading technology and engineering for the Intuit Small Business Platform, showcasing his capability in driving technological innovation.
See More
MSCI Appoints New Chief Technology Officer
- Executive Appointment: MSCI announced the appointment of Kashi Kakarla as Chief Technology Officer and Head of Product Engineering, effective June 22, bringing extensive industry experience from his previous role leading technology and engineering for the Intuit Small Business Platform.
- Technology Leadership: At MSCI, Kakarla will oversee product technology and engineering across all product lines and client segments, aiming to enhance the company's competitiveness and innovation capabilities in the fintech sector.
- New Office Establishment: Kakarla will also lead the establishment of a new MSCI office in Silicon Valley as an innovation and talent center, further advancing the company's strategic positioning in technology.
- Market Performance: In pre-market trading, MSCI shares are priced at $630.39, up 0.02%, indicating a positive market response to the new leadership, which may bolster investor confidence.
See More
Wall Street's Latest Rating Changes Overview
- Openlane Upgrade: JPMorgan upgraded Openlane from neutral to overweight and raised its December 2026 price target to $38, indicating that the online used car marketplace is experiencing robust growth and has potential for sustainable expansion over the coming years.
- Dollar General Downgrade: Deutsche Bank downgraded Dollar General from buy to hold, citing challenges in its customer base and the widening gap in the K-shaped economy, which may limit same-store sales upside, reflecting a cautious outlook on the company.
- Ecolab Upgrade: UBS upgraded Ecolab from neutral to buy and raised its price target to $325, demonstrating strong demand and positive performance expectations for the chemicals company amid a favorable market environment.
- FedEx Upgrade: JPMorgan upgraded FedEx from neutral to overweight, expressing optimism ahead of its upcoming earnings report, particularly regarding the separation of its freight business, which is seen as an attractive risk-reward opportunity.
See More
SpaceX Targets $1.75 Trillion Valuation for Upcoming IPO
- IPO Valuation Target: SpaceX is aiming for a staggering $1.75 trillion valuation upon its Nasdaq debut, positioning itself as one of the most valuable companies in the market and likely attracting significant investor interest.
- Diverse Revenue Streams: According to the latest S1 filing, SpaceX's 'Space' and 'Connectivity' segments generated over $4 billion in revenue in 2025, showcasing its strong market position in rocket launches and satellite internet services.
- Industry Classification Challenges: Given SpaceX's involvement in multiple sectors, MSCI and S&P face complexities in determining its final industry classification, which could place it in either the Communication Services or Industrials sector, impacting its appeal to investors.
- Future Growth Potential: Musk indicated that future AI computing will rely on solar-powered satellites in space, and SpaceX's innovative approach to data centers could enable it to achieve lower operational costs over time, thereby securing a more advantageous position in the market.
See More
MSCI Announces 2026 Market Accessibility Review Dates
- Market Review Announcement: MSCI has announced the release dates for its 2026 Global Market Accessibility Review on June 18, 2026, and the Annual Market Classification Review on June 23, 2026, underscoring its ongoing leadership in providing critical decision support tools for global investors.
- Transparent Timing: Both reviews will be made available shortly after 10:30 PM Central European Summer Time, ensuring that global investors can access key information promptly to enhance their market analysis and investment decisions.
- Information Access Channels: The results will be published on MSCI's official website, further enhancing transparency between the company and global investors, thereby fostering trust and reliance on MSCI indices.
- Industry Impact: As a key player in the global investment community, MSCI's review results will have profound implications for market liquidity and investment strategies, assisting investors in identifying potential market opportunities and risks.
See More
Indonesia's OJK Responds to MSCI Index Changes
- Market Reaction Analysis: Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) stated that despite MSCI's removal of six firms, there was no panic selling, as the Jakarta Composite Index fell by 1.92% on Wednesday, indicating market volatility, yet overall trading volume and frequency suggested stable investor sentiment.
- Impact of Company Adjustments: MSCI's quarterly review led to the removal of six companies, including Amman Mineral International (AMMN.JK) and Barito Renewables Energy (BREN.JK), causing their stock prices to tumble over 10%, while Sumber Alfaria Trijaya (AMRT.JK) only dropped 2.47% due to its transition to the small-cap index.
- Future Outlook: OJK is committed to advancing market reforms to enhance stock quality, particularly for those meeting global index standards, with expectations of forced selling pressure from passive index-tracking funds during the May 29 rebalancing.
- Regulatory Challenges: MSCI warned that Indonesia could be downgraded to
See More
MSCI Appoints New Chief Technology Officer
- Executive Appointment: MSCI announced the appointment of Kashi Kakarla as Chief Technology Officer and Head of Product Engineering effective June 22, reporting to Chairman and CEO Henry Fernandez, which is expected to drive innovation in technology and products.
- Technology Leadership: Kakarla will lead product technology and engineering across all product lines and client segments at MSCI, aiming to enhance the company's competitiveness in AI and technology transformation, thereby strengthening its market position.
- Silicon Valley Office: He will also establish a new MSCI office in Silicon Valley as an innovation and talent center, emphasizing the company's commitment to technological advancement and transformation in AI.
- Extensive Experience: Kakarla brings 17 years of experience from Intuit, where he transformed multiple products and platforms, most recently leading technology and engineering for the Intuit Small Business Platform, showcasing his capability in driving technological innovation.
See More
MSCI Appoints New Chief Technology Officer
- Executive Appointment: MSCI announced the appointment of Kashi Kakarla as Chief Technology Officer and Head of Product Engineering, effective June 22, bringing extensive industry experience from his previous role leading technology and engineering for the Intuit Small Business Platform.
- Technology Leadership: At MSCI, Kakarla will oversee product technology and engineering across all product lines and client segments, aiming to enhance the company's competitiveness and innovation capabilities in the fintech sector.
- New Office Establishment: Kakarla will also lead the establishment of a new MSCI office in Silicon Valley as an innovation and talent center, further advancing the company's strategic positioning in technology.
- Market Performance: In pre-market trading, MSCI shares are priced at $630.39, up 0.02%, indicating a positive market response to the new leadership, which may bolster investor confidence.
See More
Wall Street's Latest Rating Changes Overview
- Openlane Upgrade: JPMorgan upgraded Openlane from neutral to overweight and raised its December 2026 price target to $38, indicating that the online used car marketplace is experiencing robust growth and has potential for sustainable expansion over the coming years.
- Dollar General Downgrade: Deutsche Bank downgraded Dollar General from buy to hold, citing challenges in its customer base and the widening gap in the K-shaped economy, which may limit same-store sales upside, reflecting a cautious outlook on the company.
- Ecolab Upgrade: UBS upgraded Ecolab from neutral to buy and raised its price target to $325, demonstrating strong demand and positive performance expectations for the chemicals company amid a favorable market environment.
- FedEx Upgrade: JPMorgan upgraded FedEx from neutral to overweight, expressing optimism ahead of its upcoming earnings report, particularly regarding the separation of its freight business, which is seen as an attractive risk-reward opportunity.
See More
SpaceX Targets $1.75 Trillion Valuation for Upcoming IPO
- IPO Valuation Target: SpaceX is aiming for a staggering $1.75 trillion valuation upon its Nasdaq debut, positioning itself as one of the most valuable companies in the market and likely attracting significant investor interest.
- Diverse Revenue Streams: According to the latest S1 filing, SpaceX's 'Space' and 'Connectivity' segments generated over $4 billion in revenue in 2025, showcasing its strong market position in rocket launches and satellite internet services.
- Industry Classification Challenges: Given SpaceX's involvement in multiple sectors, MSCI and S&P face complexities in determining its final industry classification, which could place it in either the Communication Services or Industrials sector, impacting its appeal to investors.
- Future Growth Potential: Musk indicated that future AI computing will rely on solar-powered satellites in space, and SpaceX's innovative approach to data centers could enable it to achieve lower operational costs over time, thereby securing a more advantageous position in the market.
See More
MSCI Announces 2026 Market Accessibility Review Dates
- Market Review Announcement: MSCI has announced the release dates for its 2026 Global Market Accessibility Review on June 18, 2026, and the Annual Market Classification Review on June 23, 2026, underscoring its ongoing leadership in providing critical decision support tools for global investors.
- Transparent Timing: Both reviews will be made available shortly after 10:30 PM Central European Summer Time, ensuring that global investors can access key information promptly to enhance their market analysis and investment decisions.
- Information Access Channels: The results will be published on MSCI's official website, further enhancing transparency between the company and global investors, thereby fostering trust and reliance on MSCI indices.
- Industry Impact: As a key player in the global investment community, MSCI's review results will have profound implications for market liquidity and investment strategies, assisting investors in identifying potential market opportunities and risks.
See More
Indonesia's OJK Responds to MSCI Index Changes
- Market Reaction Analysis: Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) stated that despite MSCI's removal of six firms, there was no panic selling, as the Jakarta Composite Index fell by 1.92% on Wednesday, indicating market volatility, yet overall trading volume and frequency suggested stable investor sentiment.
- Impact of Company Adjustments: MSCI's quarterly review led to the removal of six companies, including Amman Mineral International (AMMN.JK) and Barito Renewables Energy (BREN.JK), causing their stock prices to tumble over 10%, while Sumber Alfaria Trijaya (AMRT.JK) only dropped 2.47% due to its transition to the small-cap index.
- Future Outlook: OJK is committed to advancing market reforms to enhance stock quality, particularly for those meeting global index standards, with expectations of forced selling pressure from passive index-tracking funds during the May 29 rebalancing.
- Regulatory Challenges: MSCI warned that Indonesia could be downgraded to
See More
