- John Williamson, LME Interim Chairman, is named as LME Chairman.
The London Metal Exchange (LME) is today pleased to announce that John Williamson, currently LME Interim Chairman, will become the LME’s Chairman, effective immediately under a new fixed-term contract through to 28 April 2026.
Commenting on his appointment, John said: “I am delighted to have been asked to continue in the role of Chairman of the LME. Since taking on the interim role in April this year, we have already made good progress in strengthening the LME Board; we have attracted a number of experienced new talents to the group and we continue to drive forward, at pace, the LME’s two-year strategic development programme. Over the last six months, I have very much enjoyed working with the Board and the executive team and I remain fully committed to supporting the future of the LME and to reinforcing the pivotal role that it plays in the global metals community. The macro backdrop is a challenging one, and it is institutions such as the LME that provide the certainty, clarity and robustness that facilitate global markets and the global economy. Looking forward, without losing this resilience or functionality for which the LME is known, we will continue to focus on measures that will advance the market’s structure, keeping the LME competitive and attractive, driving liquidity, and supporting our members and customers as they deliver their own success.”
LME Chief Executive, Matthew Chamberlain said: “I am delighted that John will become the LME’s new permanent Chairman. Confirmation that he will be with us at this important time for the industry and the LME is great news. John has already demonstrated his commitment to the business and the industry, and his experience, knowledge and passion will be invaluable as we move forward. I know I speak on behalf of the full LME team in congratulating John, and I very much look forward to working with him in the future.”
The appointment of Mr Williamson has been through the usual regulatory processes.
~Ends~
Notes to editors
- John Williamson biography
John Williamson was appointed Interim Chairman of the London Metal Exchange in April, 2023. He is Chairman of the UK Tote Group and an Independent Non-Executive Director on the Board of Pacific Basin Shipping Limited. He is a Chartered Accountant, a Chartered Fellow of the Securities Institute, and a Senior Fellow of the Hong Kong Securities Institute. He was formerly an Independent Non-Executive Director on the Board of HKEX, LME’s parent company (2008-2021) so has extensive knowledge of LME’s business and markets; and has previously served on the Boards of the Hong Kong Securities Institute and several other private companies.
Mr Williamson has worked within the finance and securities industry for over 40 years and has deep expertise across commerce, investment banking, wealth management, IT, risk, governance and regulation in capital markets. He previously held senior executive roles with Search Investment Group, Morgan Stanley, NatWest Securities and Wood Mackenzie & Co.
John is an advisor to the Board of a mental health charity and is a strong advocate of the diversity and inclusion agenda.
- In March 2023, the LME and LME Clear published a two-year action plan to enhance and strengthen their markets. Read further information on the plan.
Contact us
For further information or to speak to an LME spokesperson, please contact:
Miriam Heywood
miriam.heywood@lme.com