Biography

Jose A. Fernandez has served as StepStone’s Co-Chief Operating Officer since November 2019 and as a director since September 2020. He cofounded StepStone in 2007 as Partner, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer. He served as StepStone’s General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer until October 2010 when he was succeeded by Jason Ment so that he could focus on his business role. In March 2017, he became StepStone’s Chief Operating Officer. He served in that role until sharing that role with Mr. Ment as Co-Chief Operating Officer in July 2018. He is also involved in StepStone’s Environmental, Social and Governance activities, as well as diversity initiatives, in addition to various investment activities. Prior to co-founding the firm in 2007, Mr. Fernandez served as Managing Director and General Counsel at Pacific Corporate Group LLC, a privatelyheld investment advisory firm, from 2004 to 2006, were he was responsible for all legal and compliance activities, as well as research on emerging managers. From 2001 to 2004, Mr. Fernandez was an Associate at the law firm of Latham & Watkins LLP. At Latham & Watkins, Mr. Fernandez was a member of the Private Equity/Investment Fund Practice Group where he organized and represented private equity, venture capital, and buy-out funds. From 1997 to 2001, Mr. Fernandez was an Associate at the law firm of Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP. Mr. Fernandez received his B.A. from the University of Michigan and his J.D. from Stanford Law School.