Press releases 2001

24 January 2001

APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE

London Stock Exchange plc today announced the appointment of Mrs Clara Furse as its Chief Executive. She will be appointed to the board of the Exchange with immediate effect and will commence her duties as Chief Executive on 5 February.

Until recently the Group Chief Executive of Credit Lyonnais Rouse, Mrs Furse is a former Deputy Chairman of LIFFE and a Managing Director of UBS where she worked for 15 years.

Don Cruickshank, Chairman of London Stock Exchange, said: "I am delighted that Clara Furse is joining the Exchange as its Chief Executive. She brings to the appointment considerable character, business experience and IT expertise. In particular, her knowledge of European and global operations will be of immense value to the Exchange as we widen and strengthen the scope of our European business and meet the demands of market users in an increasingly competitive and globalised business environment."

Commenting on her appointment, Clara Furse said: "I am very pleased to be taking up this appointment as Chief Executive of the London Stock Exchange.

Despite the challenges of the last year, the Exchange achieved record levels of business in all its markets and it is clear that this is a strong business with great opportunities for further development. I look forward very much to working with our member shareholders, the board, and the management team to develop the business and to ensure that London strengthens still further its position as one of the world's leading stock exchanges."

Mrs Furse, who is 43, is Dutch and has worked in the City for 21 years. She studied at the London School of Economics, speaks several European languages and lives in London with her husband and three children.

Note to editors:

Clara Furse : Principal Appointments