Hong Kong exchange extends CEO Bonnie Chan’s term for 3 more years

The tenure of the 57-year-old Chan, the first woman to serve as CEO of the city’s exchange operator, will be renewed from March 1, 2027, to February 28, 2030, according to an exchange filing on Monday evening.

“Bonnie has led HKEX Group with vision, purpose and distinction,” said Carlson Tong, HKEX chairman, in an online statement. “Her commitment to strengthening Hong Kong’s role as a leading international financial centre, together with her vision for building a vibrant multi-asset ecosystem that connects capital and opportunities between China and the world, has helped position HKEX for long-term growth and success.”

The move comes as the bourse operator is striving to capitalise on mainland China’s tech boom and maintain its spot as one of the world’s leading fundraising destinations, helping to consolidate Hong Kong’s role as an international financial centre.

“Under her leadership, HKEX has gone from strength to strength, with the team focused on broadening the group’s business footprint, evolving its listing framework, and delivering many enhancements to its technology infrastructure and market microstructure, making our markets even more competitive and fit for purpose,” Tong added.

Chan was appointed as CEO in March 2024. With the contract renewal, she will serve longer than her immediate predecessor Nicolas Aguzin, who helmed HKEX from March 2021 to February 2024.

The longest-serving CEO of the bourse was Charles Li Xiaojia, who was in charge for 11 years from 2010 to 2021.