Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) has appointed Alejandro Nicolas Aguzin as chief executive of HKEX, effective 24 May 2021 for a term of three years until 23 May 2024.
In addition to his role as chief executive, Aguzin will become an ex-officio member of the HKEX board of directors.
Aguzin joins HKEX from J.P. Morgan, where he is currently CEO of J.P. Morgan’s international private bank and a member of the operating committee for the firm’s asset and wealth management business.
Prior to this, Aguzin was CEO, J.P. Morgan, Asia Pacific (APAC), between 2012 and 2020, where he oversaw and led J.P. Morgan’s growth in China, and the region.
He joined J.P. Morgan in 1990, and has held a number of leadership roles spanning lines of business and geographies during his 30 years with the firm.
This included head of investment banking, APAC from 2015 to 2019, and as CEO of J.P. Morgan Latin America from 2005 to 2012.
The board believes that Aguzin’s experience will help HKEX continue to build its competitiveness, as well as support the ongoing growth and development of Hong Kong’s unique financial markets.
Alongside his financial sector expertise, HKEX says Aguzin’s track record of leadership, regional and international relationships and global outlook were contributing factors in the selection process.
The board also highlights that Aguzin’s expertise will complement the existing skills within the organisation and be invaluable to HKEX as it continues to drive forward its strategy to be “China Anchored, Globally Connected, and Technology Empowered”.
Laura M Cha, HKEX chairman, comments: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Aguzin as the new chief executive of HKEX. He brings with him a wealth of international and regional experience in capital markets and financial services, including extensive knowledge of Mainland China, having served as chief executive for J.P. Morgan in Asia.”
According to Cha, this will be invaluable to HKEX as it continues to build the business’ success, as well as drive the ongoing growth and development of Hong Kong as a leading international financial centre.
Commenting on his appointment, Aguzin adds: “I am deeply honoured to be asked to lead the world’s largest stock market group, especially at such an important time for global financial markets. In recent years, HKEX has been instrumental in defining the evolution of Asian finance and has become the world’s leading IPO venue.”
“I am excited to now have the opportunity to build on the solid foundations of innovation, impact and progress created by my predecessors.”
With the appointment of Aguzin, Calvin Tai will cease to be the interim chief executive of HKEX and an ex-officio member of the board on 23 May 2021.
Tai will continue in his roles, as co-president and chief operating officer of HKEX. The board says it would like to express its “sincere gratitude to Tai for his leadership and dedication to HKEX as interim chief executive”.
“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Calvin Tai for his excellent stewardship this year, and for his continuing commitment to our business and support of markets and our community,” says Cha.
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