Vera Kahn
Vera Kahn is a Retail Stock Investment Analyst at The TCW Group, where she has spent nearly 19 years recommending retail equities for the firm’s investment strategies. She specializes in the retail sector, covering beverages, soft lines, hard lines, and restaurants, with an emphasis on long-term, fundamental stock selection. Vera approaches her work with integrity, transparency, and diligence, attributing her success to perseverance, hard work, and a continual desire to learn.
Vera began her career as a writer for Dow Jones Newswires covering retail, before transitioning to sell-side research at Morgan Stanley in New York. She earned her BA in Russian Studies in 1990 and completed her Master’s in Finance in 1996, combining a strong analytical foundation with industry expertise. Over nearly two decades on the buy side at TCW, she has maintained a strong long-term stock-picking track record and provided insightful analysis across virtually every segment of the retail industry. Along the way, Vera has been guided and inspired by mentors such as Michael Reilly and Robert Ohmes, who helped shape her analytical approach and leadership in the field.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Vera is passionate about financial education and community engagement. She volunteered as a Finance Instructor at Esperanza Elementary School, where she developed and implemented a comprehensive financial literacy curriculum for fourth and fifth graders. Through interactive lessons, games, and instructional materials, she empowered young students with practical skills to manage their finances, demonstrating her commitment to mentorship, education, and giving back to the community.
• Bryn Mawr College - BA, Russian Language and Literature
• Esperanza Elementary School
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of perseverance, tenacity, and a genuine curiosity that drives me to continuously learn and grow. I approach challenges with determination, staying committed even when faced with obstacles, and I view every experience as an opportunity to expand my knowledge and skills. This mindset has allowed me to adapt, innovate, and consistently achieve meaningful results throughout my professional journey.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to keep going and keep learning. No matter the challenges or setbacks, maintaining forward momentum and a commitment to continuous growth has been invaluable in shaping my professional journey and opening new opportunities.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be patient with stock picking; learn the companies, the sector and management teams; be thoughtful; learn from mistakes and focus on getting more right than wrong.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now is keeping up with constant changes. Whether it’s evolving best practices, new technologies, or shifting client needs, staying informed and adaptable allows me not only to overcome challenges but also to leverage these changes to provide more effective, innovative solutions.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most in both my work and personal life are integrity, transparency, and a strong work ethic. I strive to be honest and ethical in all my interactions, communicate openly and clearly, and approach every task with dedication and diligence, believing that these principles are the foundation for lasting success and meaningful relationships.