In a widely-tipped move, Chi-X Europe has confirmed that Alasdair Haynes will take over as chief executive officer of the pan-European MTF, subject to regulatory approval.
Haynes replaces Mark Howarth, former COO for Asia-Pacific at Chi-X Global, who has been acting as interim CEO since February after the departure of Peter Randall.
Howarth will stay on for several months to work with Haynes on the transition before returning to Chi-X Global.
Between 2006 and 2009, Haynes was CEO of Investment Technology Group's international business. He has also worked for HSBC James Capel, UBS and Morgan Grenfell.
Chi-X was the first MTF to take on the continent's traditional exchanges in the wake of MiFID and accounts for around 25% of the FTSE 100 and regularly ranks as the third-largest trading platform in continental Europe.
Haynes was a serious contender for the top job at the London Stock Exchange before Xavier Rolet replaced Clara Furse.
Says Haynes: "To have been selected CEO of the largest and most innovative MTF in Europe is a great honour and a role I accept with great responsibility. I look forward to leading Chi-X Europe's dedicated and talented team as we seek to grow the business and continue to provide trading and cost performance improvements for its participants."