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Fidelity Chairman Abby Johnson Overcomes Doubt to Lead $18 Trillion Empire

Wall Street Journal Markets •
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Abby Johnson faced skepticism from her father and rivals before becoming Fidelity's chairman. In 2005, her father, Edward Johnson III, sent a board trustee to deliver a devastating message: she was at risk of losing her position. This pivotal moment marked the start of a decade-long struggle to prove her leadership in a family-dominated firm.Fidelity, now managing $18 trillion in assets, has become a cornerstone of American investing, overseeing one-fifth of U.S. adults' savings.

Abby's ascent contrasts with her father's early success, as she navigated internal doubts while expanding the firm's reach. Her leadership style, shaped by years of quiet determination, has solidified Fidelity's dominance in mutual funds and retirement services.**The family-owned structure of Fidelity remains unique in an industry dominated by public firms. Abby's journey reflects the tension between tradition and innovation, as she balances her father's legacy with modern demands.

Her tenure highlights the challenges of maintaining a privately held giant in a rapidly evolving market.Abby Johnson's story underscores the resilience required to lead a legacy firm in a competitive landscape..