Business Leader Mellody Hobson Named CBS NEWS Contributor

Nationally known business leader Mellody Hobson has been named a Contributor and Analyst on Finance and the Economy for CBS News, it was announced today by CBS NEWS Chairman and 60 Minutes Executive Producer Jeff Fager and David Rhodes, President, CBS News. Her appointment is effective Jan. 20.

Hobson is a recognized expert on the business world and financial literacy, and will bring her vast experience to CBS News broadcasts, including CBS THIS MORNING, CBS EVENING NEWS and FACE THE NATION, as well as to CBS News' radio and online platforms.
"Mellody has extraordinary passion for financial literacy-helping people understand and manage their resources in today's complex global economy," Rhodes said. "We're so pleased to have her insightful analysis of business and finance."

Hobson is president of Ariel Investments, a Chicago- and New York-based money management firm. She is responsible for firm-wide management and strategic planning, overseeing all operations outside of research and portfolio management. Additionally, she serves as chairman of the board of trustees for Ariel Investment Trust.
Outside of Ariel Investments, Hobson shares her sharp business acumen as a board member for major corporations. Hobson is chairman of the board for Dreamworks Animation SKG, Inc. and a director of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., Groupon, Inc. and the Starbucks Corporation.

She is active in Community outreach. In that arena, she serves as chairman of the Chicago non-profit organization After School Matters and is a board member of The Field Museum, Lucas Cultural Arts Museum, The Chicago Public Education Fund and The Sundance Institute. She is also on the board of governors of the Investment Company Institute.
Hobson earned a bachelor's degree from Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of International Relations and Public Policy. She also received honorary doctorate degrees in humanities from both Howard University and St. Mary's College.