Executive Moves of the Week: Key Appointments Across Leading Global Firms

Last week’s roundup highlights pivotal executive appointments across major global organizations, reflecting significant strategic moves within the financial services, payments, and investment sectors. From leadership transitions at Starling Bank and Airwallex to impactful hires at TIOmarkets and M&G Investments, these shifts aim to strengthen growth, expand market presence, and enhance innovation within their respective industries. The strategic appointments also reflect the growing importance of experienced leadership in navigating a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Airwallex Appoints Andrew Balint as VP of Marketing for APAC

With 25 years of experience in marketing, Balint has held leadership roles at Afterpay, amaysim, Ola, and Optus. At Airwallex, he will oversee marketing operations in key APAC markets, including Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia, focusing on brand strategy, integrated campaigns, and partnerships. Balint’s appointment is seen as a key move as Airwallex approaches its 10th anniversary and continues expanding its innovative product offerings across the region.

Andreas Skianis Appointed Global Head of Partners at TIOmarkets
Andreas Skianis has officially announced on LinkedIn his new role as Global Head of Partners at TIOmarkets. In his post, he expressed excitement about collaborating with a talented team to expand and strengthen the company's global partner network. Skianis aims to foster strategic partnerships that drive innovation and create value for both clients and partners. With his extensive experience in partner sales and business development across Asia, Africa, and global markets, he is set to play a key role in enhancing TIOmarkets' partner ecosystem. Prior to joining TIOmarkets, Skianis held leadership roles at ICMarkets, IronFX, M4Markets, and HotForex.

Marcello Arona Appointed CFO of M&G Investments

With over 20 years of experience in the asset management sector, Arona will oversee M&G Investments' global financial operations and contribute to the company's long-term growth. He joins from AXA, where he served as CEO of AXA Investment Managers UK and held various senior roles, including COO and Regional CFO. Arona reports to Kathryn McLeland, CFO of M&G plc, and will collaborate closely with Joseph Pinto, CEO of M&G Investments. His appointment follows the retirement of Sean Fitzgerald.

Barclays Appoints Paul Johnson as Head of Equities for Asia Pacific

Johnson, who has over two decades of experience in equities and derivatives markets, will oversee the firm’s operations across equity derivatives, equity-linked financing, electronic trading, and prime brokerage in the region. He will report to Scott McDavid, Global Head of Equities, and Jaideep Khanna, CEO of Barclays Asia Pacific.
Before joining Barclays, Johnson held senior roles at Goldman Sachs, including Co-Head of Equity Derivatives for Asia Pacific. His appointment is part of Barclays’ strategy to enhance its equities platform in Asia, a region critical to its global business. Johnson will work with other senior leaders to expand Barclays' equities offerings and improve client coverage. This move supports the bank's three-year plan to increase market share in equity derivatives and prime brokerage in Asia.

Joseph Bracco Promoted to Executive Vice President, Global Head of Sales at Miami International Holdings

Joseph Bracco has been with MIH since 2015 and played a key role in managing client relationships and driving the company's sales strategies, contributing to its growth.
In his new role, Bracco will continue to expand MIH's market share, focusing on the company's derivatives markets and initiatives such as the MIAX Sapphire™ trading floor, MIAX Futures™, and MIAX Pearl Equities™. With four decades of experience in financial markets, Bracco previously held senior roles at BATS Global Markets, Inc. and Cantor Fitzgerald. His promotion aligns with MIH’s broader strategy to expand its trading platforms and introduce new services.

Yuno Appoints Miguel Duarte Fernandes as Senior VP for Europe Growth
This move supports the company's strategy to expand its European market presence, driven by growing e-commerce demand. With over 20 years of experience in payments, Fernandes joins from Checkout.com, PayPal, and Braintree. He will focus on helping merchants navigate complex payment systems, empowering them with a seamless, integrated platform. His appointment aligns with Yuno’s goal to address global payment challenges and accelerate growth in Europe, supported by key investors.

Starling Bank Appoints Raghu Narula as New Chief Banking Officer
Narula will oversee customer and commercial growth, as well as innovation across the bank’s retail and business units. He brings over 25 years of experience, having previously held roles at NatWest and HSBC, where he gained expertise in retail, wealth management, and commercial banking across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. His appointment comes as Starling reports a 50.6% revenue increase for the year ending March 2024.