ASX Ltd (ASX: ASX) shares are pushing higher on Thursday after the market operator named its next boss.
At the time of writing, the ASX share price is up 2.28% to $58.65. By comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.08% on the back of market jitters.
The move adds to a stronger year for shareholders. ASX shares are now up 13% in 2026, although they remain down 19% over the past 12 months.
Here’s what has investors paying attention today.
A new boss is coming
In its ASX announcement, ASX said Anthony Attia has been appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
He is expected to start on 1 September 2026, subject to the relevant authorisations to work in Australia.
Attia brings nearly 30 years of experience across exchanges and market infrastructure businesses in Europe and the United States.
Most recently, he was global head of derivatives and post trade at Euronext.
Before that, he held senior roles at Intercontinental Exchange and NYSE Euronext.
ASX has been dealing with a difficult period of late, including heavy technology spending and regulatory scrutiny.
A new CEO with deep exchange experience should give investors something positive to focus on.
Pay details
The appointment also comes with a sizeable pay package.
According to the release, Attia will receive fixed remuneration of $2 million a year, along with a short-term variable reward target of $1.7 million.
ASX also plans to seek shareholder approval for a long-term variable award with a face value of $2 million.
On top of this, Attia is entitled to restricted shares worth up to $6.3 million.
The company said the restricted shares recognise incentives he will give up by leaving his current role.
There will also be a short handover period before Attia takes over the helm. Current ASX CEO Helen Lofthouse will leave on 29 May 2026, while Darren Yip, group executive markets and listings, has been appointed interim CEO to support the transition.
Foolish Takeaway
Investors appear to be welcoming the appointment, with ASX finally giving the market a clearer leadership path.
Attia brings plenty of exchange experience, which should help. But investors will still want to see progress on the bigger issues facing the business.
That means keeping costs under control, improving its technology delivery, and rebuilding confidence with investors, customers, and regulators.
From here, the market will be watching whether the new boss can put ASX back on steadier ground.
The post ASX shares rise as investors welcome a major leadership change appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Intercontinental Exchange. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.