Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEx) has established a Mainland Division to reflect the growing importance of Mainland connectivity to its business, and made several senior management changes.

Mainland Division

The newly established Mainland Division is comprised of HKEx’s Mainland Development team in Hong Kong, its representative office in Beijing and related offices in Shanghai and Guangzhou.  The new division is co-headed by Mao Zhirong, who led the Mainland Development team before it became part of the new division, and Li Gang, who had been a Senior Adviser since joining HKEx in March 2013.  Both will report to HKEx’s Chief Executive.

Mr Mao joined HKEx from the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 2013, and he had a significant role in the implementation of the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect programme (Stock Connect).  Li Gang brings more than 20 years of futures industry experience to HKEx.  He had senior management roles at several Mainland futures firms before founding Shanghai Billionton Metal in 2004 and serving as its chief executive officer until 2012.

Chief China Economist

The Mainland Division includes the new post of Chief China Economist, which will be filled by Dr Ba Shusong, whose start date at HKEx is pending confirmation.  Dr Ba is a former deputy director general of the Financial Research Institute of the State Council’s Development Research Centre.  He also has been the chief economist of the China Banking Association, a member of Hong Kong’s Economic Development Commission and a senior visiting scholar at Columbia Business School in the US.  Dr Ba will report to HKEx’s Chief Executive.

"These changes reflect the importance of our China business following the launch of Stock Connect and our aim to pursue more connectivity programmes with Mainland exchanges," said HKEx Chief Executive Charles Li. 

Global Markets Division

HKEx has appointed its Roger Lee to the new post of Deputy Head of Global Markets, Asia, effective immediately.  Mr Lee will continue to report to Romesh Lamba, Co-head of Global Markets, and serve as Head of Market Operations.

Mr Lee has been with HKEx since it was established.  His roles have included Co-head of IT and Head of Information Services.

Head of Business Development

Kevin Rideout has joined HKEx today as Head of Business Development, a new position in the Global Markets Division.  He will be responsible for the division's business development and marketing teams and will report to Mr Lamba.

Mr Rideout joined HKEx from Citigroup, where he served most recently as head of wholesale execution services, Asia, and chief spokesman on the implementation of Stock Connect.

Ends