European subscription-based equities platform Aquis Exchange has appointed the former chief executive of Euronext Dublin and BlackRock board member to its board as an independent non-executive director.
Deidre Somers brings 23 years of stock exchange experience to the role. She currently also serves as an independent non-executive director and audit committee member for BlackRock iShares, holding the position since April 2019.
Somers was also the chief executive officer of the Irish Stock Exchange for over ten years leading its transformation to Euronext Dublin in 2018 when it was sold to European exchange group.
“Deirdre is a true expert in public market structure, regulation, and products, with a particular strength in European markets. Her experience will be extremely valuable to Aquis as we continue on our journey to become the leading exchange services group in Europe,” said chair of Aquis Exchange Niki Beattie. “It is a testament to the growing profile of Aquis that we have been able to attract a candidate of such quality to our Board.”
Somers also served as president of the Federation of European Securities Exchanges (FESE) for three years.
“It is clear to me that Aquis Exchange has great potential, not only for further growth and development but also to bring further competition, transparency, and venue choice to European Markets,” commented Somers on her appointment. “I hope that my background in steering an exchange group through a period of intense change and volatility whilst increasing its earnings and instilling a strong culture will serve Aquis well. I look forward to supporting the Company on its exciting growth trajectory.”
The appointment follows a sustained period of success for the exchange. Last month, it confirmed it had recorded its first period of profitability since its launch in 2013, following a 42% increase in revenue in the first half of 2020.
Profitability recorded by the exchange during the first half of this year reached £16,000, compared to the £623,000 loss recorded in the same period last year.