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Learning Objectives:

• Unpack the importance of understanding the methodology used in index construction and the implications for clients.
• Learn how investment advisors, asset managers, and index providers can partner together to deliver more holistic results.
• Understanding beta risk of popular indices and the benefits of broadening your beta exposure.

Meet the Speakers!

Moderator:

Daniel Montoya, CFA | S&P Dow Jones Indices

Daniel Montoya is an Associate Director, Direct Indexing and Model Portfolio Specialist at S&P Dow Jones Indices (S&P DJI). In this role, He is responsible for the growth and adoption of indices in Direct Indexing and Model Portfolios with asset managers and wealth managers. In this role, Daniel supports S&P DJI’s efforts to accelerate brand awareness and growth via partnered, consultative sales tactics and delivery of thought leadership.

He joined S&P DJI from BlackRock where he first supported multi-asset SMA strategies as a Portfolio Specialist and then was a Client Relationship Manager with Aperio supporting Direct Indexing clients across the central US. Prior to his tenure at BlackRock, he was a Financial Institution Specialist at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) where he managed distressed assets from failed financial institutions.

Daniel earned a BBA from the University of Texas at El Paso and an MBA with a concentration on investments and corporate strategy from the Cox School at Southern Methodist University. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and is a member of the CFA Society of Chicago.

Panelists: 

Hamish Preston, CFA | S&P Dow Jones Indices

Hamish Preston is Head of U.S. Equities at S&P Dow Jones Indices (S&P DJI). His team is responsible for the product management of S&P DJI’s U.S. equity index suite, including the S&P 500® and The Dow®.

Prior to his current role, Hamish worked in Global Research & Design at S&P DJI, where he was responsible for conceptualization, research and design covering global strategy, factor-based, alternative beta and thematic equity indices. Previously, Hamish worked in Index Investment Strategy at S&P DJI, providing research and commentary on the entire S&P DJI product set, including U.S. and global equities, commodities, fixed income and economic indices.

Hamish is a CFA charterholder, holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the London School of Economics and graduated with distinction from the University of Birmingham with a master’s degree in financial economics.



Amelia Furr | Morningstar

Amelia Furr is President of Morningstar Indexes. She oversees all aspects of Morningstar Indexes, including business development, customer success, sales operations, technology, operations, and strategic alignment across product and marketing functions. Furr is responsible for developing and executing a global strategic plan to grow the Morningstar Indexes business, enter new markets and channels of distribution, develop innovative new products, and build a culture of high performance based on trust and mutual respect—while aligning with other Morningstar groups to meet and exceed client expectations.

Under her leadership, the team delivers scalable solutions across a diverse product portfolio, including retail investment products, licensed data, direct indexing, and structured products, along with index calculation, governance, and administration services. Morningstar Indexes serves an impressive roster of global clients, including wealth managers, asset managers, banks, hedge funds, insurance companies, market data platforms, private equity firms, public and private pensions, and institutional consultants.

Before assuming her current role in 2026, Furr served as Chief Commercial Officer for Morningstar Indexes, where she led go-to-market initiatives for passive products, market data licensing, and all aspects of index-related business development. Since joining Morningstar in 2020, she has been a driving force behind the strategic vision and operational execution of the global sales organization across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

Prior to joining Morningstar, Furr held leadership roles at FTSE Russell and MSCI, managing strategic client relationships and driving sales growth across the Midwest and West Coast.

Furr holds a BA in Economics from the University of Wisconsin- Madison and an MBA with a concentration in finance from DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. 

Austin Guy, CFA | Northern Trust

Austin Guy is a Vice President and Senior Client Portfolio Manager within Institutional Asset Management at Northern Trust. He is responsible for developing global solutions and insights for institutional investors. Austin has comprehensive experience of passive indexing as well as quantitative active and factor-based investing and research.

Prior to his current role, Austin was a Quantitative Equity and Fixed Income Strategist, where he was responsible for developing and delivering comprehensive investment solutions and insights across the spectrum of index, engineered, and active equity strategies. Prior to that role, Austin was a member of the Index Services team, where he focused on developing and managing quantitative index solutions. Prior to Northern Trust, Austin held previous roles including Team Leader of the US Mutual Fund Database at Morningstar and risk and operations analyst roles at The PrivateBank in Chicago.

Austin received a B.S. in Finance from the Marquette University and an M.S. in Finance, with honors, from Depaul University. Austin has earned the right to use the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and is a member of the CFA Institute.



Mike Drozd, CIMA | LaSalle St.

Michael Drozd serves as an Executive Committee member, Chief Investment Officer, and Chair of the Investment Committee at LaSalle St. In these roles, he is responsible for shaping the firm’s long-term market outlook, driving strategic asset allocation decisions, and overseeing the development and execution of multi-asset investment strategies.

Michael also serves as Senior Portfolio Manager for LSIA Portfolio Solutions, LaSalle St.’s flagship multi-asset investment program, delivering comprehensive portfolio solutions designed to optimize performance and manage risk across diverse market environments.

Before joining LaSalle St., Michael held the position of Vice President at Merrill Lynch – Bank of America, where he served as a Senior Investment Manager, providing expertise to investment professionals across the country. He has also held key roles in investment and asset management at Citi Private Bank, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, J.P. Morgan Securities, and Calamos Investments. Michael has dedicated his career to leading investment strategies and developing multi-asset portfolio solutions for institutions and high-net-worth clients.

Throughout his career, Michael has sought to design thoughtful, client-focused investment solutions that adapt to evolving global market conditions.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Marketing, and Management from Drake University. He holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® certification, administered by the Investments & Wealth Institute taught in conjunction with Yale University. He is licensed with Series 7, 31, and 66 certifications.