Executive Moves of the Week: Key Hires, Promotions, and Departures in Global Brokerage and Fintech

This week’s executive moves highlight significant leadership changes across the brokerage and fintech sectors, reflecting a mix of strategic hires, promotions, and departures. SGT Markets promoted Peter Kristensen to CEO, while Robinhood brought in Zeke Vince to lead institutional crypto business development. CFI Financial added Michael O’Sullivan as Senior Technology Advisor, and ThinkMarkets appointed Chantelle Lea as Global Head of Brand and Marketing. Neex promoted Tawfiq Mashaqi to Head of Sales, Sucden Financial named Bruno Almeida as CFO, and IG Group saw long-serving Trading Director Adam Blemings depart. These shifts underscore ongoing focus on growth, technology, and institutional expansion across global brokers.

SGT Markets Appoints Peter Kristensen as Chief Executive Officer

SGT Markets has appointed Peter Kristensen as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2026, promoting the long-serving executive from his role as Chief Financial Officer. Kristensen joined the firm in 2022 and has overseen financial strategy, regulatory execution, capital allocation, and risk management.

With more than 30 years of experience across banking, online trading, and financial technology, Kristensen previously held senior roles at Saxo Bank and co-founded JP Fund Services in Switzerland. His promotion reflects leadership continuity as SGT Markets navigates increasing regulatory and competitive pressures.

Former B2C2 Sales Executive Zeke Vince Joins Robinhood as Global Head of Business Development for Institutional Crypto

Robinhood has appointed former B2C2 sales executive Zeke Vince as Global Head of Business Development for Institutional Crypto, effective January 2026. The hire signals a senior leadership move as the US-listed brokerage accelerates its push into institutional crypto markets.

Vince joins from crypto liquidity provider B2C2, where he served as Managing Director and Head of Sales, overseeing institutional client coverage. He previously held senior electronic FX sales roles at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, J.P. Morgan, Credit Suisse, and Bloomberg, bringing extensive experience across institutional FX and crypto markets.

CFI Financial Appoints Michael O’Sullivan as Senior Technology Advisor

CFI Financial Group has appointed Michael O’Sullivan as Senior Technology Advisor, adding a seasoned technology executive to support its leadership as the broker scales its global infrastructure. Based in London, O’Sullivan will advise on technology governance, platform resilience, and operational coordination across regions.

O’Sullivan joins CFI following his role as Chief Technology Officer at Hantec Markets and previously held CTO positions at INFINOX, along with senior technology roles at ATFX UK and CMC Markets. The appointment follows CFI’s recent hire of Vivek Mehta as CTO, underscoring a broader strengthening of its technology leadership.

Chantelle Lea Appointed Global Head of Brand and Marketing at ThinkMarkets

ThinkMarkets has appointed Chantelle Lea as Global Head of Brand and Marketing, following her role as Marketing Manager at the broker. The move elevates Lea to lead the firm’s global marketing strategy and brand initiatives.

Lea brings over 15 years of experience in forex and financial services marketing, including prior leadership at Global Market Index (GMI). Her expertise spans strategic planning, campaign execution, and cross‑functional collaboration, positioning her to drive ThinkMarkets’ international business growth.

Neex Promotes Tawfiq Mashaqi to Head of Sales

Neex has promoted Tawfiq Mashaqi to Head of Sales, elevating him from his role as Sales Manager since June 2025. The move strengthens the broker’s sales leadership as it seeks to accelerate regional and global growth.

Mashaqi brings extensive experience in forex and CFDs sales, having previously served as Sales Director at AUS Global and held roles at MultiBank Group and Q8trade in Dubai. His expertise, particularly in the Middle East, positions Neex to expand its presence across key markets.

IG Trading Director Adam Blemings Departs After Nearly 20 Years at the Broker

IG Group trading veteran Adam Blemings has departed the broker after nearly 20 years, concluding a career that included senior leadership of its global trading operations. Blemings’ tenure spanned roles from futures dealer to Trading Director, a position he held from mid-2025.

During his time at IG, he oversaw trading and operations, including risk, technology, and execution teams, and held regional and functional leadership positions such as Head of Futures and FX and Head of Dealing in Australia. IG has yet to announce a successor, and Blemings plans an extended break before exploring new opportunities.

Sucden Financial Appoints Bruno Almeida as Chief Financial Officer

Sucden Financial has appointed Bruno Almeida as Chief Financial Officer, following his tenure as Executive Director overseeing regulatory and financial risk. The appointment, approved by the UK FCA, strengthens the firm’s senior management amid its multi-asset execution and clearing expansion.

Almeida brings experience as CFO for FNZ Group’s UKMEA region, board-level governance at FNZ Securities, and prior roles at Itaú BBA, KPMG, and the FCA. In his new role, he will lead financial strategy, regulatory capital management, and balance sheet oversight, supporting Sucden’s operations across FX, fixed income, and commodities.