Options Technology, Barchart and Mastercard: Executive Changes for the Week
By: Tom Hazan
This week was particularly interesting as it was marked by a noticeable decline in the number of executive appointments in the fintech, forex and crypto industries. This pattern illustrates the ever-evolving nature of financial technologies.
Options Technology, Barchart Mastercard, Data Zoo AskFX and IronFX announced significant appointments and transitions as part of significant leadership changes across the financial industry. Details are: Options Technology has appointed Marlena. Efstratopoulou appointed Chief Information Security Officer. Barchart promoted Mike Ehrenberg, Chris Harrison and Colleen Sheeren. Mastercard appointed Folasade. Femi-Lawal as Country Manager for West Africa. Data Zoo welcomed Charlie Minutella as CEO. AskFX has undergone a restructuring, with Sara Stratoberdha as CEO. George Kyriakoudes is ending his tenure as IronFX Group C. These leadership changes highlight strategic initiatives and adjustments to industry trends. They will shape the future development of organizations in this dynamic financial landscape.
Our weekly roundup takes you through the world of dynamic leadership transitions in FX, cryptocurrency and fintech. Explore the ever-changing landscape of leadership transitions in the financial technology industry.
Leadership change for the week
Marlena Efstratopoulou, Source: LinkedIn
Options Technology appoints Marlena Afstratopoulou as Chief Information Security Officer
Options Technology appointed Marlena AFSTRATOPOLAS as Chief Information Security Officer. This appointment highlights a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity and risk management. Efstratopoulou, who has experience in risk management and cybersecurity, has been named Chief Information Security Officer at Options Technology. This appointment underscores Options Technology’s commitment to integrating security and risk management capabilities. Danny Moore, President and CEO of Options Technology, emphasized the importance Efstratopoulou plays in maintaining high security standards for customers and partners.
Options Technology has expanded its leadership team to accelerate the growth of its banking and trading infrastructure. Laura McCann was recently promoted to chief financial officer and Jon Lambert to senior vice president of corporate development. Options Technology’s commitment to providing innovative solutions is reflected in the launch of StrataNet – a global trading platform that provides low latency market data access and multiple trading venues. The Canadian Securities Exchange partners with Options Technology to improve trading environments and streamline trading processes.
Learn more about Options Technologies’ strategic initiatives and partnerships that drive the growth of banking and trading infrastructure.
Barchart hires a new head of commodities sales and three new C-level executives
Barchart, a leading provider of market data and technology, announced major changes to its leadership team. Mike EHRENBERG has been promoted to Chief Technology Officer. Chris HARRISON became chief product officer and Colleen SHEEREN became chief marketing officer. Andrew Ward has also joined as Head of Commodity Sales. EHRENBERG and HARRISON will focus on advancing trading and risk analysis platforms. SHEEREN and SHEEREN will focus on SHEEREN’s new role in marketing strategy and brand.
Haraburda highlighted his experience in software, trading and risk management in his commentary on WARD’s hiring. Ward’s role will be to drive sales of Barchart data tools and solutions to natural resources companies. The leadership changes at Barchart are intended to drive further growth of its product range and strengthen the company’s position as a key player in finance, media and natural resources.
Learn more about Barchart’s strategic leadership and commitment to advancing technology and data in the financial sector.
Folasade Femi-Lawal Source: LinkedIn
Mastercard appoints Folasade F. Lawal as Country Manager for West Africa
Mastercard has appointed Folasade FEMI-LAWAL as Country Manager and Area Head for West Africa. Femi Lawal’s 25 years of experience in financial services, consulting, telecommunications and management consulting will be of great benefit to her new position. Mark Elliott, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at Mastercard, praised their innovation and commitment to driving positive change in the digital payments landscape.
Mastercard’s global strategic partnerships aim to improve innovation and accessibility in the payments sector. Mastercard’s collaborations with Circle and Crypto.com demonstrate Mastercard’s push into non-fungible and digital tokens to meet changing consumer tastes. Through Mastercard’s partnerships with Goldman Sachs and other financial institutions, Mastercard is able to offer tailored financial products to small and medium-sized businesses. This helps promote economic empowerment and growth.
Learn more about Mastercard’s innovative initiatives and how the strategic appointment of Folasade Fami-Lawal as Country Manager for West Africa aligns with Mastercard.
Charlie Minutella, Source: LinkedIn
Data Zoo hires LSEG executive to lead and wants to expand fraud prevention
Data Zoo has named Charlie MINUTELLA as its new boss Managing Director. Minutella is a former London Stock Exchange Group executive. Minutella has nearly 20 years of experience in risk, compliance and identity management and is well suited to lead Data Zoo’s global operations from its New York office. The company’s focus is on data science security and fraud prevention. There has been significant growth in recent years.
TONY FITZGIBBON’s transition to the role of Chief Strategy Officer and Chairman is also a significant event for Data Zoo founder Tony Fitzgibbon. Fitzgibbon – who was instrumental in Data Zoo’s founding and growth – emphasizes Minutella’s alignment with Data Zoo’s values and vision. Minutella leads Data Zoo to further growth. With the expansion of its operations into the US and European markets and with well-known customers such as Australian “Big Four Banks” and global payment providers.
Learn more about Data Zoo’s new strategic leadership and the company’s focus on fraud prevention under Charlie Minutella.
Kevin Worth Source: LinkedIn
AskFX CEO Kevin Worth resigns amid bullish restructuring
AskFX CEO Kevin WORTH is resigning as part of a major restructuring initiative within the Renowned information, media and event company resigned. This is part of a major restructuring partially orchestrated by cryptocurrency exchange Bullish. Sara Stratoberdha is the new CEO and has extensive experience in Bullish’s business development department. It ensures continuity and editorial integrity. This restructuring comes after Bullish acquired AskFX. Several key members of AskFX’s leadership team have left the company, including Elinor Hirschhorn, COO and Michael Casey, chief content officer.
Bullish CEO TOM FARLEY explained the plan to streamline AskFX’s operations and integrate some features into Bullish. Farley acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing leadership and expressed gratitude for their role in helping to make AskFX a global media company. Bullish’s purchase of AskFX is a strategic decision to mobilize capital to expand in media, events and indices. This highlights the potential growth of the cryptocurrency economy.
Learn more about Bullish’s strategic restructuring and its impact on AskFX’s future development.
George Kyriakoudes Source: LinkedIn
IronFX Group Chief Financial Officer George Kyriakoudes leaves the company
George KYRIAKOUDES has completed his two-year and four-month term as IronFX Chief Financial Officer. This was announced by LinkedIn. Kyriakoudes is a Cyprus-based CFO of Aria Health. He played a key role at IronFX in defining financial strategies and leading the brokerage business. Kyriakoudes was a key figure at FXTM for eight years, leading various financial functions.
Kyriakoudes left IronFX in 2021 after resigning from FXTM for personal reasons. He said he needed to focus more on his family and supporting his wife’s career at Aria Health. He has worked at Alpari Group and Deloitte. IronFX UK, on the other hand, has demonstrated financial resilience in 2020 despite market fluctuations. The company’s profitability increased despite a decline in sales.
Learn more about George Kyriakoudes’ career transition and IronFX’s financial performance under changing market conditions.
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