Annie Wang, Managing Director M&A at Nomura Securities International

Annie Wang, managing director of mergers and acqui­si­tions at Nomura Securities Inter­na­tional, has built an impressive career in the investment banking industry, partic­u­larly in the consumer products industry, with a focus on beverage alcohol, beauty and personal care. Known for her creativity, strategic thinking and commitment. Annie Wang provides valuable insights and experi­ences that inspire aspiring profes­sionals. This exclusive interview is about her inspi­ra­tions, challenges and successes.

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in your chosen field?

From a young age, I was surrounded by numbers. My parents, both accoun­tants, gave me a solid foundation in analytical thinking. However, during my studies it became clear that accounting was not my passion. I took a few accounting courses and quickly realized that the prospect of accounting didn’t appeal to me.

Instead, I was drawn to the world of mergers and acqui­si­tions (M&A). This interest was sparked by reading the Wall Street Journal. I was fasci­nated by the stories of companies under­going trans­for­mative changes through mergers and acqui­si­tions. The strategic maneuvers, high stakes and signif­icant impact on indus­tries and economies were compelling. This fasci­nation led me to pursue a career that combined my analytical skills with my interest in business dynamics.

Can you share a defining moment that shaped your career?

One of the most defining moments of my career was the decision to pursue my MBA at NYU Stern School of Business. Before Stern, I completed my under­graduate studies at UC Irvine, which was not a feeder school for investment banking. I didn’t know anyone in the field, which made breaking into the industry difficult.

Taking part in Stern was a turning point. Business school gave me a platform to take relevant courses and, more impor­tantly, network with the right people. The contacts I made there and the knowledge I gained there signif­i­cantly shaped my career. At Stern I really realized the impor­tance of networking and continuous learning. This experience opened doors to oppor­tu­nities in investment banking and laid the foundation for my role in mergers and acqui­si­tions.

How would you describe your personal and profes­sional values?

My profes­sional values ​​are relia­bility, commitment, integrity and resilience. Relia­bility and commitment earn the trust of colleagues and customers, which is crucial in any profes­sional environment. Integrity is non-negotiable; I strive to be honest and trans­parent in all my dealings, which builds trust and respect.

On a personal level, kindness and empathy are paramount. My goal is always to treat others with kindness and put myself in their shoes to under­stand their perspec­tives. Family and close friends are criti­cally important to me and I make it a point to prior­itize them, especially in times of need. Optimism is another key value – I believe in staying positive and looking for the silver lining in every situation. These values ​​guide my personal and profes­sional endeavors and help me create a balanced and fulfilling career.

What personal or profes­sional achieve­ments are you partic­u­larly proud of?

Profes­sionally, one of my proudest achieve­ments is becoming Managing Director at Nomura Securities Inter­na­tional. I have been working toward this milestone since I began my career in investment banking ten years ago. Reaching this level is a testament to my dedication, hard work and the support of my mentors and colleagues. It is incredibly fulfilling to see years of effort and perse­verance come to fruition in such a meaningful way.

Personally, I am very proud of being able to support my family, especially my mother. She has given me so much throughout my life and being able to spoil her in retirement is a small way to give back. While it doesn’t compensate for every­thing she’s done, it gives me great joy to see her happy and know that I can care for her in a meaningful way.

How do you manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance to ensure your well-being?

Managing stress and maintaining a healthy work-life balance are crucial to overall well-being. Traveling is one of the best ways to relieve stress and recharge your batteries. Exploring new places, learning about other cultures and taking a break from the daily grind helps us come back refreshed and with a new perspective.

In addition to traveling, it is important to maintain a disci­plined schedule. This means paying attention to working hours and ensuring that there is time for personal activ­ities and relax­ation. I also practice mindfulness and make time for activ­ities I enjoy, such as going to the beach, the spa, reading, yoga, scuba diving, and adventure sports. These practices help me stay grounded and maintain a healthy balance between my profes­sional respon­si­bil­ities and my personal life.

How do you define success?

For me, success is about achieving the goals you set for yourself. It is a personal defin­ition as every­one’s goals and aspira­tions are different. For some, success may mean climbing the corporate ladder, while for others it may be about making a difference in their community or reaching a personal milestone. I believe that as long as you work towards your own goals and make progress, you will be successful.

Success also includes continuous growth and learning. It’s not just about reaching a desti­nation, but also about enjoying the journey and the experi­ences that arise along the way. It’s about improving yourself and positively influ­encing the people around you.

Which entre­preneur or business leader do you consider to be your greatest role model and inspi­ration? Why?

An entre­preneur or business leader that I consider to be my greatest example and inspi­ration is not a single individual, but a group of visionary leaders who have created break­through technologies that have changed the world forever. In my gener­ation, this includes innova­tions such as the Internet, the iPhone and AI. Looking back at the early 20th century, revolu­tionary advances such as automo­biles, airplanes, and telephones stand out. These pioneers showed me the impor­tance of innovation, perse­verance, and the impact of giving back to the community while staying grounded, regardless of the level of success achieved.

Final thoughts

Annie Wang has built a career in mergers and acqui­si­tions that demon­strates the power of combining creativity and strategic thinking. Her insights and experi­ences provide valuable insights for anyone looking to make a name for themselves in the investment banking industry. Through dedication, strategic thinking and a commitment to her values, Annie inspires and influ­ences the next gener­ation of profes­sionals. She reminds that success is not just about achieving profes­sional milestones, but also about staying true to your values ​​and having a positive influence on others.