Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. announced that it has appointed financial industry veterans to focus on two key components of the Company’s strategic growth plans. Rajesh Chalamalasetti has been named Senior Vice President, Chief Analytics Officer. With 17 years of experience, most recently serving as Chief Analytics Officer of Principal Financial Group, Chalamalasetti has a track record of using data to advance profitable business initiatives. He will lead Waddell & Reed Financial’s ongoing efforts to expand the organization’s enterprise-wide data analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities. This newly created role reflects the organization’s increased focus on applying data-driven decisions and analytics across the enterprise to identify business growth opportunities and enhance client and advisor experiences in both the company's asset and wealth management businesses and employee experiences across the Company. Chalamalasetti will report to Ben Clouse, Chief Financial Officer of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.