LSE finance guru moves to Close Brothers
Jonathan Howell has been announced as the new finance director of Close Brothers, relinquishing his role at the London Stock Exchange
In his 11-year tenure at the
LSE,
eight of which have been as FD, Howell played a key part in fending off takeover
attempts from rival exchanges. Nasdaq, in particular, made repeated efforts to
seize hold of the Exchange.
On leaving the Exchange, his shares may be worth £10m, after the share price
soared in value following recent approaches.
LSE top brass believe Howell has been ‘instrumental’ in the delivery of
exceptionally strong shareholder value, developing the Exchange’s financial
strategy and putting it to the forefront of the sector for balance sheet
efficiency.
Howell will take up a role at fellow FTSE 250 company,
Close Brothers. He
replaces Peter Winkworth, who is stepping down after 30 years at the company.
Howell raked in a base salary and bonus of £972,000 during the LSE last full
financial year, but could make double that amount at Close Brothers. Howell will
start at Close Brothers in February 2008.