John Zecca

 
Educational Background
 

John Zecca has forged an impressive career path through dedication and expertise in the legal and regulatory fields. His educational journey began at Cornell University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He then pursued his Juris Doctor (JD) at the University of California, College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly known as UC Hastings), building a strong foundation in law.

 
Early Career and Clerkship
 

Zecca's professional career kicked off with a clerkship at the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, where he served under the Honorable John H. Pratt. This early experience provided him with invaluable insights into the judicial system and the intricacies of legal procedures.

 
Corporate Law and SEC Involvement
 

Following his clerkship, Zecca joined Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP as a Corporate and M&A Attorney, marking his entry into the corporate law landscape. His role at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as Senior Counsel and subsequently as Counsel to an SEC Commissioner further honed his expertise in securities regulation.

 
Transition to Hogan Lovells
 

In July 2000, Zecca transitioned to Hogan Lovells, where he continued to expand his knowledge in corporate and M&A law. His tenure at Nasdaq began in October 2001, marking the start of a significant period in his career. Over the years, he climbed the ranks, occupying various key positions. He started as Chief Corporate Counsel, then became Vice President of Regulatory Surveillance, and eventually assumed the role of Senior Vice President and General Counsel for North America.

 
Current Role at Nasdaq
 

Currently, Zecca serves as the Executive Vice President and Global Chief Legal, Risk, and Regulatory Officer at Nasdaq, Inc. In this capacity, he leads a diverse team of over 250 professionals, including attorneys, programmers, and compliance specialists across 13 countries. His work focuses on corporate governance, stock market structure, trading regulations, and risk management.

Under Zecca's guidance, Nasdaq's legal team has made substantial contributions to public policy initiatives related to market structure, data privacy, and cloud computing. He also plays a crucial role in overseeing advanced technology for regulatory surveillance in U.S. and European capital markets.

 
Additional Achievements and Roles
 

Zecca's achievements extend beyond his immediate professional duties.

• He sponsors the Nasdaq General Counsel Forum and serves on the Board of Directors of Nasdaq Clearing, AB, and Nasdaq TRF LLC.
• Licensed to practice law in California and the District of Columbia, Zecca is also a licensed solicitor in England and Wales.

His commitment to the legal and regulatory field is evident through his various roles and contributions.

Licensed to practice law in California and the District of Columbia, Zecca is also a licensed solicitor in England and Wales, underscoring his global legal acumen. His career trajectory, marked by significant accomplishments and a steady rise through the corporate ranks, highlights his dedication and expertise in the legal and regulatory domains.