Catching Up with a Finance Trailblazer: Anna Ashurov's Path from Goldman Sachs to BlackRock

Anna Ashurov has certainly made her mark in the financial world.

Included in Business Insider's 2018 roster of rising stars, Ashurov has been on a dynamic career journey, having left Goldman Sachs to engage with Anheuser-Busch InBev before landing at BlackRock, the colossal asset management firm, where she has operated since 2021.

At BlackRock, Ashurov takes charge of expanding strategies and managing client interactions for Aladdin, a prominent tool for risk analysis and portfolio oversight. She expressed to Business Insider her new focus on fostering overall growth, moving away from simply finalizing transactions and consulting.

During our discussion, she reflected on her vocational changes and imparted insights for those contemplating a significant career shift. Below is an edited pathway to our interview, ensuring clarity and conciseness.

In 2018, when I last spoke with your team, I was rooted in leveraged finance and capital markets at Goldman Sachs. Driven by a desire to delve deeper into operational aspects, I shifted to a chief of staff role within the financing division, which broadened my view of the firm's operational dynamics.

Subsequently, I transitioned to AB InBev, steering their commercial strategies and transformations. This role introduced me to the intricacies of operations, pushing forward commercial strategy and expanding market presence. We engaged in exciting initiatives in our ‘beyond beer’ focus, including strategic acquisitions. Eventually, I received an invitation to contribute to BlackRock's Aladdin business, and this opportunity aligned perfectly with my interests.

What attracted me to BlackRock was its outstanding position at the convergence of finance, technology, and innovation. I've long been captivated by the capability of technology to revolutionize industries. Thus, joining the fintech domain was an appealing prospect, and I've relished every moment of this venture.

This narrative is part of our new series revisiting finance professionals we highlighted as Wall Street’s Rising Stars to uncover the progress they've made in their careers.

My tenure in finance established a strong foundation for my current responsibilities, akin to my role at AB InBev. Initially, I cultivated significant connections with institutional clients, which honed my skills in recognizing their needs and crafting solutions.

Such a client-focused approach became instrumental in creating enduring value. At AB InBev, I engaged in orchestrating commercial strategies and led transformational projects, imparting experience in business alignment and execution — skills I now apply at BlackRock.

Unfamiliar with technology domains initially, I embraced and adapted to new learnings, equipping myself with essential skills prevalent in any client-facing role.

How to Nurture Established Industry Leaders

Guiding renowned brands such as BlackRock, a leading asset management firm, and AB InBev, the largest brewer globally, calls for a strong cultural foundation. Organizational vitality at both firms allowed for nimble decision-making. Direct connections with leadership like AB InBev's CEO, Michel Doukeris, and strategy executives fostered a culture conducive to prompt change. This infrastructure is crucial to evolving the organization, invigorating growth, and shaping strategy effectively.

Shifting through vastly different sectors, I've adopted habits like reading during commutes, indulging in fiction or crime thrillers. It offers a rare respite amid constant activity, complementing my ever-evolving routines.

Advice for Aspiring Career Changers

Reflecting on my professional journey, the essence has been growth through change. I encourage embracing change rather than fearing it. Continuously challenging oneself and avoiding complacency have been pivotal in my personal and professional development.