Board of Directors
Dai Shi is a seasoned executive with a robust background in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), international
expansion, initial public offerings (IPO), turnarounds, and complex HR, sales, and operational issues. Dai
brings strategic thinking, growth-driven leadership, and collaborative skills to any board.
Dai focuses on driving growth while maintaining sustainable profit margins. She believes the financial
services industry is the first responder to everyone’s economic health — an extraordinary responsibility to
society.
When serving as the Reginal CFO of AXA Asia between 2011 and 2015, Dai successfully navigated
numerous M&A transactions, notably the 2013 AXA-Tian Ping acquisition, a 500m Euro deal. She was
instrumental in identifying the target companies, conducting due diligence, valuing the deal, negotiating, and
designing governance structures to ensure smooth integrations and maximize value. This transaction,
amongst other joint ventures, has driven AXA’s international expansion efforts in Asia, delivering double digit growth in top-line and earnings.
Dai was one of the core members that prepared Equitable [ Former AXA US] for IPO in May 2018. Dai has
demonstrated a keen understanding of financial markets and regulatory environments. She was proficient in
preparing IPO roadshow materials, presenting to credit rating agencies, drafting Management’s Discussion
and Analysis (MD&A) sections, and filing S-1 registration statements. Post-IPO, Dai continued to guide the
investor and the market in interpreting the quarterly result and keeping the business head abreast of peer
activity and performance.
Currently serving as the CFO of Mission Square Retirement, Dai leverages her extensive financial acumen
and strategic insight to drive sustainable success and growth. Her leadership has revitalized organizations in
turnaround situations by implementing effective strategies to restore profitability and growth. From 2020 to
2023, Dai led the business to profitability, generating cumulative operating earnings of $136m and positive
cash flows.
Dai’s adeptness in sales and operations ensures streamlined processes and improved performance across all
facets of the business. One example is aligning sales incentive programs to revenue generation, resulting in
top-line growth. Additionally, Dai has enhanced operational efficiency by optimizing transactions and
managing ancillary fees in the client service area.
Known for her strong communication skills and collaborative approach, Dai is effectively serving on two
boards: Mission Square Foundation and Illinois State Society. Dai chairs the Finance Committee of the
Center of Public Administration and Services. She previously chaired The Well NYC’s finance and
compensation committees, a mission-driven wellness focus organization based in New York City.
Dai holds an MBA from the University of Illinois and has earned certificates from Columbia University and
the University of Geneva. In June 2024, she enrolled in Wharton’s Global C-Suite Program, further
solidifying her expertise and commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Born in Shanghai, Dai has lived in Chicago, New York, Paris, Hong Kong, and DC. She has traveled to
eighty countries for business and pleasure. She understands developed and emerging markets and brings a
