The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) has appointed Anthony Attia as managing director and chief executive officer (CEO), effective September 1.
ASX said that Helen Lofthouse will step down on May 29 after nearly four years as CEO, as previously announced, with Darren Yip, ASX's group executive, markets and listings, serving as interim CEO until Attia assumes the role in September, according to a media release.
Sydney-based Attia brings close to 30 years of experience in exchange and market infrastructure businesses, with expertise across the full value chain, including primary markets, derivatives and post-trade services.
Attia (pictured right) most recently served as global head of derivatives and post-trade at Euronext and was previously chief executive officer of Euronext Paris and a member of the group’s managing board, where he led strategic and growth initiatives while developing strong relationships with regulators and market participants.
He also played a central role in Euronext’s transformation into a leading pan-European market infrastructure group. Earlier in his career, Attia held senior roles at the former NYSE Euronext and Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), where he contributed to the carve-out and listing of Euronext in 2014.
ASX’s chair David Clarke commented: “Following a comprehensive global search process, the board is delighted to appoint someone of Anthony’s calibre."
Clarke added: "He brings deep exchange experience coupled with a proven track record of technology-enabled transformation and a clear understanding of the responsibilities that come with leading critical market infrastructure.”
Investors will focus on whether Attia can rebuild market confidence while delivering the modernisation of ASX’s core infrastructure. As of May 21, ASX’s share price had declined by around 16% over the past 12 months. The first phase of upgrading the exchange’s clearing platform, known as CHESS, was completed in early May, four years after earlier overhaul plans were paused.
The ASX provided a financial guidance market update on May 26 with significant expected expenses growth.
Meanwhile, the ASX is preparing for the listing of Firmus Technologies this summer, which could IPO for as much as A$12 billion ($8.5 billion).
This story was updated on May 26. For more FinanceAsia people moves click here.
