Yale School of Management - Trace Harris '91

"I learned not only core technical skills at Yale SOM, but the importance of critical thinking, working in groups, and working across cultures. A big part of my role is managing partnerships effectively, often multi-national ones, from which I draw upon so many of the things I learned while at Yale."

Trace Harris is senior vice president, strategy, finance and business innovation at Vivendi, SA. Vivendi is a French media and telecom company whose assets include full or controlling investment in Universal Music Group, Activision Blizzard, Canal+ Group, telcom operators SFR, Maroc Telcom, and Brazilian GVT, as well as a 20% interest in NBC Universal.

Trace is Vivendi’s senior corporate development executive in the United States, focusing on corporate strategy, acquisitions, divestitures, and oversight of various U.S. holdings, with a strong emphasis in partnership management. She has participated in transactions valued at over $25 billion while at Vivendi, most recently managing Vivendi's sale of its 20% interest in NBC Universal. She participates in the boards of Universal Music Group and NBC Universal. She is based in New York and has held this position for 9 years.

Previously, Ms. Harris was senior vice president of strategic development for the Television Group of Universal Studios. She held responsibilities in both international business development and the design and launch of Universal’s first television network. Prior to Universal Studios, Ms. Harris worked for Warner Bros. She started her career in finance with JP Morgan.

Ms. Harris holds a bachelor's degree from Stanford University and a masters of business administration from the Yale School of Management. She lives in New York with her husband and son.