Date & Time:
May 22, 2026 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Location:
DSI 105, 5460 S University, Chicago, IL,
05/22/2026 12:00 PM 05/22/2026 01:30 PM America/Chicago John Overdeck (Two Sigma): Distinguished Speaker Series- A Conversation with John Overdeck DSI 105, 5460 S University, Chicago, IL,

Abstract: In the conversation, guided by Dr. Rebecca Willett, John will share insight on his career and building Two Sigma, as well as his thoughts on the evolution of AI in quantitative investing, and how it will shape finance and the field of mathematics going forward.

Speakers

John Overdeck

Co-Founder and Co-Chairman, Two Sigma

John is Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of Two Sigma.

John began his career at D.E. Shaw & Co., where he rose to managing director. While at Shaw, he directed the firm’s Japanese equity and equity-linked investments and supervised the firm’s London investment management affiliate. Prior to co-founding Two Sigma in 2001, John spent two years at Amazon.com, first as vice president and technical assistant to Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos. He went on to lead customer relationship management at Amazon.com, directing Amazon’s renowned personalization, community, and targeted marketing features and technology. He also led critical efforts to make Amazon’s customer technology more scalable.

John serves as chair of the Institute for Advanced Study and the National Museum of Mathematics, and serves on the board of Robin Hood. He is also the president of Overdeck Family Foundation, which supports innovative programs and research that measurably enhance education inside and outside the classroom.

A lifelong math enthusiast, John won a silver medal for the United States in the 27th International Mathematics Olympiad. In 2017, John was honored by the Academy of Achievement for being a pioneer in technology and investment management.

John earned a B.S. in Mathematics (with distinction) and a M.S. in Statistics from Stanford University.

Related News & Events

headshot
UChicago CS News

Todd Frank Dupont, Inventive Computational and Applied Mathematician, 1942–2026

Oct 14, 2026
headshot
UChicago CS News

What Are Data Centers, And Why Do They Need So Much Power? An Expert Explains

Oct 08, 2026
distinguished speaker header
UChicago CS News

Distinguished Speaker Series 2026-27

Oct 07, 2026
robot and crowd
In the News

Learning is a blast – and a bang – at the South Side Science Festival

Oct 07, 2026
computer showing data sets
UChicago CS News

At EPIC, MSCAPP Students Used Data to Surface Overlooked Policy Questions

Oct 02, 2026
headshot grid
UChicago CS News

Four UChicago CS students named to Siebel Scholars class of 2027

Sep 18, 2026
headshot
UChicago CS News

A University of Chicago Computer Scientist Pushes Past a Long-Standing Math Barrier

Sep 15, 2026
graphic
Video

Advancing Actionable AI Weather Forecasts For Developing Economies: Laude Institute Moonshots Grant

Aug 26, 2026
headshot
In the News

Illinois-Led Regional Quantum Hub NSF HQAN Renewed to Pursue Industry-Ready Computing and Workforce Development

Aug 25, 2026
hadron collider
UChicago CS News

When Artificial Intelligence Meets Physics Beneath the French-Swiss Border

Aug 21, 2026
headshot
UChicago CS News

Managing Director Nita Yack Among Six UChicago Staff Members Honored With Staff Impact Awards In Inaugural Year

Aug 12, 2026
UChicago CS News

IBM, UChicago Demonstrate ‘Quantum Advantage,’ Outperforming Traditional Computers With A Quantum Computer

Jul 30, 2026
arrow-down-largearrow-left-largearrow-right-large-greyarrow-right-large-yellowarrow-right-largearrow-right-smallbutton-arrowclosedocumentfacebookfacet-arrow-down-whitefacet-arrow-downPage 1CheckedCheckedicon-apple-t5backgroundLayer 1icon-google-t5icon-office365-t5icon-outlook-t5backgroundLayer 1icon-outlookcom-t5backgroundLayer 1icon-yahoo-t5backgroundLayer 1internal-yellowinternalintranetlinkedinlinkoutpauseplaypresentationsearch-bluesearchshareslider-arrow-nextslider-arrow-prevtwittervideoyoutube