NEX Group appoints new finance chief as Stuart Bridges steps down

Stuart Bridges has stepped down as chief financial officer of NEX Group and will be leaving the company later in the year.

He will be succeeded by Samantha Wren, the current chief commercial officer for NEX Markets, who will join the board with immediate effect.

Wren joined ICAP in 2009 as group treasurer and has held a number of senior finance, operational and commercial roles, including CFO and chief operating officer of the global broking divisions. She was appointed chief commercial officer for NEX Markets in March in 2016. Prior to joining NEX, Wren held a variety of finance roles at Rank Group and Rentokil Initial.

Chief executive officer Michael Spencer said: "Sam's varied financial, operational and commercial experience positions her ideally for this role. Since joining us in 2009 she has consistently impressed the board and executive management with her capabilities and talents and this has been recognised today with her appointment as group chief financial officer. We are delighted Sam is taking on the role at this exciting time in the company's growth."

NEX also announced the appointed of Ken Pigaga, global chief operating officer, as a director with immediate effect.

Spencer said: "Ken has been a pillar of delivery and reliability since joining us over ten years ago. His role leading the transformation programme is a key priority for NEX and his promotion to the board reflects its importance and our increased focus on technology."

Shore Capital said: "We are a little shocked at the apparent immediacy of the well-respected Mr Bridges’ departure, so soon after laying out a series of financial aspirations out to year-end March 2020."

At 0915 BST, the shares were down 2.1% to 660.50p.