ASX promotes Helen Loft to MD and CEO

ASX has promoted its group executive, markets Helen Loft to managing director and CEO.

Loft has spent seven years at ASX, after joining in 2015 as executive general manager, derivatives and OTC markets. She also has over 20 years of leadership experience at roles including managing director of UBS and executive director of JP Morgan.

According to Damian Roche, ASX Chairman, “The Board has been consistently impressed with Helen’s exceptional capability and demonstrated leadership, and believe she is the best candidate to steer ASX. Helen has successfully managed changing priorities in dynamic environments, and done so while delivering critical market infrastructure.

“She has a strong understanding of our values and strategy, and a proven ability to lead large and diverse teams and deliver growth. Importantly, Helen is already known and highly regarded by our people, customers and regulators, and has a deep understanding of the regulatory environment in which ASX operates.”

Roche said that a high calibre of domestic and international candidates were considered for the position, and the appointment followed a comprehensive and competitive search process, led by the Board and executive search firm Egon Zehnder.

“It is testament to Helen’s qualities and highlights the strength within ASX’s executive ranks. It also reflects the Board’s confidence in the strategy and performance of the company in recent years. We look forward to the fresh ideas and enthusiasm Helen will bring to the role as our new CEO. Her appointment ensures a smooth and orderly CEO transition. ASX’s exciting future is in strong and capable hands,” said Roche.

Domenic Stevens will continue as ASX CEO until 31 July, and will continue to assist with the transition until 30 September. Upon leaving the ASX Steven intends to retire.

According to Loft, “I am looking forward to helping shape ASX’s future as we continue our transformation and leverage our technology platform to deliver further value for customers, staff, shareholders and the investing public. I am also indebted to Dominic Stevens for ensuring ASX is in a strong financial, operational and technological position, and with considerable growth optionality when he leaves.”

Roche also acknowledged the legacy that Stevens leaves behind.

“Dominic has driven the execution of our strategy to build an exchange for the future. He has done a great deal to contemporise the organisation, improve the resilience and functionality of our operating platforms, position ASX to capitalise on new growth opportunities and lift the experience for our customers. Under Dominic’s leadership, ASX has become a stronger, more performance-driven company, which consistently delivers solid financial results,” he said.