Bats Chi-X Europe, a division of Bats Global Markets (Bats), today announced the appointment of Guy Simpkin as head of business development.
Mr. Simpkin, who will initially focus on opportunities in European indexes and derivatives, joins the BATS Chi-X Europe executive committee and reports to Mark Hemsley, chief executive officer of BATS Chi-X Europe.
"Guy was deeply involved in all areas of business development for Chi-X Europe and it is a natural progression for him to lead our efforts in this area," said Mr. Hemsley.
Mr. Simpkin is a 27-year industry veteran who has held senior business development roles at LIFFE (now NYSE Liffe) and in equity and equity derivatives clearing at LCH.Clearnet. He joined Chi-X Europe in May 2010 in a business development role focusing on a derivatives business strategy.
Mr. Simpkin said: "I am excited to lead BATS Chi-X Europe's business development initiatives to bring more competition to the European index and derivatives area, among others, as the company has successfully done in the equities market. I look forward to continuing to work with the BATS Chi-X Europe team to execute this vision and remain at the forefront of innovation."
BATS Chi-X Europe reported 24.6% overall European market share in April 2012, which was the fifth consecutive month that the firm ranked as the largest European equities market operator by market share and notional value traded.