Aquis Announces Leadership Changes as Alasdair Haynes Transitions to New Role

Aquis, a leading innovator in next-generation financial markets, has announced a significant leadership transition. Chief Executive Officer Alasdair Haynes has informed the Board of his decision to step back from daily operations due to health reasons. Effective immediately, he will assume the role of President of the Group.

The company confirmed that David Stevens, currently Chief Operating Officer, will take over as Chief Executive Officer and join the Board of Directors, pending regulatory approval. Stevens, who joined Aquis in 2020 as Chief Revenue Officer, previously served as CEO of Global Reach Group and held senior positions at Investment Technology Group and JP Morgan. He began his career at Goldman Sachs.

Additionally, Richard Fisher, Aquis’ Chief Financial Officer, will now take on the dual role of Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. The company emphasized that both Stevens and Fisher, as longstanding members of the management team, would ensure a seamless transition.

In his new position as President, Haynes will remain on the company’s Board of Directors, providing senior counsel to the management team, contributing to strategic initiatives, and continuing as Head of the Aquis Stock Exchange division. Aquis noted that he would remain a key ambassador for the Group, supporting its strategic evolution.

Haynes reflected on his decision, describing his 12 years of leading Aquis—from its beginnings as a subscription-based exchange to its current status as a prominent multi-product European exchange group—as both a privilege and a joy. He acknowledged that stepping back was a difficult but necessary decision for health reasons, adding that he was confident in David Stevens’ leadership to drive Aquis forward and capitalize on opportunities, including those linked to the SIX Exchange Group’s offer.

Deirdre Somers, Chair of Aquis, recognized Haynes’ pivotal contributions, stating that his leadership, creativity, and enthusiasm had been instrumental to the Group’s success. She expressed her satisfaction that Haynes would continue offering his insight and vision as President.

David Stevens, the new CEO, described the future of Aquis as highly promising and expressed excitement about leading the Group forward. He praised the strength of the leadership team, highlighting the contributions of Richard Fisher, who had played an integral role within the company for the past four years. Stevens added that the company’s dedicated employees remained central to delivering on Aquis’ mission of creating and facilitating modern financial markets.

Aquis also clarified that these leadership changes would not affect the proposed acquisition by SIX Exchange Group AG. The transaction, structured as a court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement under Part 26 of the Companies Act, had already received the required shareholder approval, as announced on 20 December 2024. The acquisition remains on track for completion in the second quarter of 2025, pending the fulfillment or waiver of any remaining conditions.

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