Euroclear has named Marc Antoine Autheman as its new chairman. He will replace Sir Nigel Wicks, who retires on Jan. 1. 2013.
Wicks became chairman of Euroclear plc and Euroclear SA/NV Boards in August 2006 after serving as deputy chairman since 2002. Autheman will become deputy chairman of both Euroclear Boards immediately, a position that he shares with Jean-Jacques Verdickt.
The appointment follows an extensive search conducted by a specially constituted Search Committee of Board Members led by Verdickt, said a statement from Euroclear.
Autheman is a senior independent advisor to financial institutions, working or having worked for firms such as Crdit Agricole and Caisse des Dpts. He is also chairman of the board of investment companies Third Point Offshore Investors and Cube Infrastructure Fund.
Until 2004, Mr Autheman was managing director of the international banking division of Crdit Agricole, where he was responsible for the firms private banking business. He was also CEO of Crdit Agricole Indosuez from 1998 to 2003, where he was closely involved in the integration of Crdit Agricole and Banque Indosuez. Previously, Autheman was managing director of Caisse Nationale de Crdit Agricole, responsible for the firms foreign affiliate banks and its domestic corporate banking business.
Commenting on the boards election of Autheman, Sir Nigel Wicks said: I welcome Marc Antoine Autheman as the new chairman after my planned retirement at the end of the year. With valuable finance experience, the board and Euroclear clients will find a highly respected and knowledgeable professional who will provide strong leadership at the helm of Euroclear. I am confident that under Marc Antoine Authemans guidance, the Board will continue to shape Euroclears future in the best interests of its shareholders and users. It has been a great privilege for me to work with such a supportive Board and dedicated management and staff in leading Euroclear through one of the most exciting and challenging periods in its history.
Autheman added: As Euroclears next chairman, I look forward to continuing Euroclears progress of recent years. There will undoubtedly be challenging times ahead, but I am confident that the board of Euroclear, its management and staff will provide a satisfactory outcome for the groups shareholders and customers.
(JDC)