Ken Griffin, the founder of Citadel, recently shared his hiring strategy, emphasizing that Citadel seeks “winners in life” rather than just financial winners. Griffin believes that individuals who excel in other areas, such as sports or academics, often make better financial professionals. He highlighted the case of Peng Zhao, a former Citadel Securities executive who was a top-ranked Olympic athlete before joining the firm.

Griffin noted that while financial skills are crucial, they are not the only criteria for success in finance. He pointed out that many successful athletes and academics have transferred their skills to finance, often with great success. Citadel’s hiring strategy reflects this approach, focusing on individuals who have demonstrated exceptional abilities in various fields.

The firm’s internship program also reflects this philosophy, with Griffin stating that Citadel looks for interns who are “winners in life” and can contribute to the firm’s success. This approach has led to the hiring of many talented individuals who have excelled in non-financial areas, including sports, academics, and other fields. By focusing on well-rounded individuals, Citadel aims to build a diverse and high-performing team that can drive the firm’s success.