Mellody L. Hobson is President of Ariel Investments, LLC. In this role, Hobson is responsible for firm wide management and strategic planning, and oversight of all operations outside of research and portfolio management. Previously, Hobson served as a Senior Vice President and Director of Marketing at Ariel Capital Management Inc., from 1994 to 2000 and served as its Vice President of Marketing from 1991 to 1994. Hobson has been the Chairman of Dreamworks Animation SKG Inc. since October 2012.

Hobson’s community service efforts are extensive. Hobson is a Trustee of Princeton University, and Chairman of After School Matters; Board Member of the Lucas Cultural Arts Museum.