Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), on Thursday announced the confirmation of the appointment of Jude Chiemeka as Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Limited, its operating exchange subsidiary from July 1, 2024.
This, it said in a statement by Clifford Akpolo, Head, Group Communications and Partnerships, followed the approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Chiemeka has been acting in that capacity since January 1, 2024, when he succeeded Temi Popoola, who transitioned to the role of Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group.
Chiemeka, who brings close to three decades of experience in African securities trading and asset management to his new role, until his appointment as Acting CEO was Executive Director of Capital Markets at NGX, before which he was Managing Director/CEO at United Capital Securities Limited.
An alumnus of the University of Lagos, Lagos Business School, and the University of Oxford, UK, Chiemeka, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, also worked at leading investment banking firms in Nigeria such as Chapel Hill Denham Securities and Rencap Securities (Nigeria).
Commenting on the appointment, Group Chairman, NGX Group, Alhaji (Dr) Umaru Kwairanga, said the “strategic appointment aligns perfectly with our succession plan and reinforces the synergy we continuously foster across our group operations.”
Continuing, he said “Chiemeka’s extensive experience and proven leadership qualities are invaluable assets that will propel NGX towards long-term success. Under his leadership, I am confident that NGX will play an even more pivotal role in contributing to the sustainable growth for both Nigeria’s and Africa’s economies.”
Also commenting, Ahonsi Unuigbe, Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Limited, said, expressed hope and expectation by the board of NGX “that he will drive growth and innovation, enhance our operational perspectives, democratize investment in the capital market, and unlock opportunities for investors’’.
Temi Popoola, GMD/CEO, NGX Group on his part noted, expressed delight “to see Mr. Chiemeka step into the role of CEO of NGX. His extensive experience and deep understanding of our markets will be crucial in driving NGX’s growth while aligning with our broader group strategy. I look forward to working closely with him to unlock value and to create new opportunities for stakeholders across the entire NGX Group ecosystem.”
Chiemeka, on his part expressed honour to be appointed as CEO of NGX at this critical period of its history, as part of efforts “to build on our achievements and maximize value for all stakeholders, I look forward to forging strong collaborations with NGX’s exceptional team and the broader capital market community. We are committed to creating a more dynamic and inclusive exchange that fuels Nigeria’s economic growth and competes on the global stage.”