Early Life
Alfred West Jr. was born on December 7, 1942, in Brooksville, Florida. Growing up, West dreamed of becoming a fighter pilot but was unable to pursue that career due to poor eyesight. This led him to study aerospace engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology, and later, earn an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1966.
Rise to Success
West's career took off in 1968 when he founded SEI Investments. Initially, the company focused on providing computer programs for banks, and the company grew to offer outsourcing services for investment processing and operations. West took SEI public in 1981, branching into investment advisory and money management. Under West's leadership, SEI has grown into a global provider of technology and investment solutions. His career is marked by a commitment to innovation, and a unique corporate culture emphasizing collaboration and employee empowerment. He retired as CEO in 2022 after more than 50 years at the helm, and now serves as Executive Chairman.
Key Business Strategies
West's business strategy has emphasized a long-term approach and adapting to change. West has kept his equity stake high, making him a significant shareholder. His focus on recurring revenue and innovative solutions has been key to SEI's growth. He fostered a corporate culture that encourages innovation and values employee collaboration. West's approach to leadership has also involved a willingness to embrace failure as a learning opportunity.
Philanthropy
West supports various causes, including the WestBridge, a non-profit residential program that helps those with mental illness and substance use disorders.