In this role Mr White will work with ICMA to co-ordinate its activities in the City of London, and more broadly in the region, in support of its members. His initial priorities include building on relationships between members and ensuring optimal contacts and information flow between members and ICMA at a time when there is still much uncertainty about the new regulatory structure of the market at both UK and European level.

Welcoming the appointment, Martin Scheck, ICMA Chief Executive said: "Simon is admirably qualified to take on the chairman's role at this critical juncture, where actions under consideration by governments and regulators will define the financial markets for years to come. I have no doubt that he will drive forward our understanding and focus on our members' needs in the region."

Simon White is Head of Senior Issuance at Lloyds Banking Group in London. He has over 30 years experience of debt capital markets, having spent 11 years as an issuer and 19 years on the investment banking side of the business. His roles have included syndicate, origination, MTNs and transaction management in both the investment grade and emerging market sectors. He originally joined Merrill Lynch International in London in 1979 having served for 4 years in the Parachute Regiment of the British Army.