AFME boss Simon Lewis to step down in the autumn after nearly a decade in role

The boss of the Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME) is stepping down in the autumn after nearly a decade in the role.

Simon Lewis, chief executive of AFME, which represents European banks, has announced he is leaving the body after deciding not to renew his contract, which comes to an end in October.

Lewis was the founding CEO of AFME when he joined in 2010. He has been credited with doubling its workforce to over 80 people in London, Brussels and Frankfurt, as well as leading the group's discussions with the European Commission such as MiFID 11 and the impact of Brexit on regulation and policy in Europe's capital markets. 

A search for his successor is now underway.

Michael Cole-Fontayn, AFME chairman, said: “Simon has been the driving force behind AFME for the past nine years and we are deeply grateful for his leadership. Simon will hand over a flourishing organisation that has achieved so much on his watch and will continue to be a leading advocate for Europe’s financial markets for years to come.

Lewis added: “I am proud of all we have achieved at AFME as a team as we approach our tenth anniversary this year. Over these years we have navigated many significant market events and ensured that Europe’s wholesale financial markets participants have been able to inform policy and thinking at the highest level.”

“It has been a privilege to work for three outstanding chairs over the last nine years and to have had such a supportive, engaged Board committed to the aims and ambitions of AFME. I would like to thank Michael Cole-Fontayn for all his support and expert stewardship of the board. I am looking forward to welcoming my successor into a great organisation that has so much to deliver.”