Source: virt-x
virt-x, the London-based securities exchange and subsidiary of SWX Group, is pleased to announce that Michael Blair QC will become Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of virt-x from 1 July 2008.
He will succeed Jim Gollan who will become CFO of the new Swiss Financial Market Services Group (SFMS) from the start of 2008.
Mr. Blair was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Board of virt-x on joining it as an independent director in April 2007 and brings a wealth of experience in financial services.
Mr. Gollan will hand over his executive responsibilities to virt-x CEO, Lee Hodgkinson, by the year end and act as non-executive Chairman thereafter on an interim basis until end of June 2008. He became Chairman of the virt-x Board on 1 December 2006. It was announced at the time that future appointments to the position of Chairman would be in a Non-Executive capacity.
Keith Robinson, independent director and Chairman of the Audit Committee, will succeed Mr. Blair as Deputy Chairman of the Board from 1 July 2008. Mr. Robinson was also appointed to the Board of virt-x in April 2007.
Jim Gollan, Chairman virt-x, commented: "Michael has had a distinguished career with a deep understanding of the legal and regulatory environment in which virt-x operates. His industry knowledge, relevant networks and enthusiasm for the task make him an ideal candidate for Chairman of virt-x as the exchange enters into an exciting phase of its development."