ASX reshapes executive leadership team

ASX has announced changes to its executive leadership team as the exchange progresses a broader transformation and renewal program under new managing director and chief executive officer Anthony Attia.

The changes include new leadership across finance, clearing and settlement, and operations, with the incoming executive set to report to Attia and join the ASX Executive Leadership Team.

Keir Barnes will become chief financial officer succeeding Andrew Tobin, who announced his retirement earlier this year. Tobin will remain as chief financial officer until Barnes commences to support an orderly transition.

Mark Peterson will take on the newly constituted role of managing director, clearing and settlement from November 2026. He will oversee the transition alongside acting group executive, securities and payments, Andrew Jones, who will remain with ASX.

Elaine Vaisanen will become chief operating officer from December 2026, succeeding Diona Rae, who will leave the company. Vaisanen will also lead ASX's Accelerate transformation program.

Attia said the changes would add experience to the exchange's leadership as it works through its transformation agenda.

"The ASX has a critical role in serving Australia's capital markets and we have a clear plan for improving how we deliver for all of our stakeholders," Attia said.

"These appointments are adding important depth and critical experience to our leadership."

Barnes joins ASX from Dexus, where she has served as chief operating officer since 2021 and deputy chief financial officer for two years prior. She has more than 20 years' experience across finance, funds management, corporate advisory and chartered accounting.

Prior to joining ASX, Peterson served as chief executive of New Zealand's listed exchange operator NZX for nine years until April 2026, following his tenure as head of markets. He has 35 years' experience across senior roles at NZX, ANZ, First NZ Capital and National Bank of New Zealand.

Vaisanen also brings more than 25 years' experience in global markets and client services, primarily with J.P Morgan in Europe and Australia. Most recently, she was head of fund services for APAC, after servicing as head or CIV operations for Australia and New Zealand.

Attia also thanked Tobin for his continued contribution and acknowledged Rae's leadership through a period of significant change at ASX.