Association for Financial Markets in Europe chief to step down

Simon Lewis to depart role as chief executive of sell-side industry trade body in October after nearly ten years.

The Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME) has announced that its chief executive is set to step down at the end of October.

Simon Lewis, who has held the role of CEO for AFME since 2010, will relinquish the role when his current contract expires. The AFME board has confirmed it has begun the process of finding Lewis’ successor to “ensure there will be time for a smooth handover.”

Having taken the position of founding CEO of AFME shortly after the body’s formation, Lewis has led the organisation through industry issues and upheavals including the Capital Markets Union, Banking Union and the implementation of MiFID II. He has also spearheaded the body’s work on the UK’s impending departure from the European Union.

During his tenure, AFME has also opened offices in Brussels and Frankfurt, and was involved in the establishment of its Frankfurt and Paris advisory boards.

“I am proud of all we have achieved at AFME as a team as we approach our tenth anniversary this year,” commented Lewis. “Over these years we have navigated many significant market events and ensured that Europe’s wholesale financial markets participants have been able to inform policy and thinking at the highest level.”

“It has been a privilege to work for three outstanding Chairs over the last nine years and to have had such a supportive, engaged Board committed to the aims and ambitions of AFME.”

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