Plato Partnership Implements New Leadership Structure
In a significant development, the Plato Partnership has announced that its CEO, Mike Bellaro, will be stepping down after a successful tenure. Bellaro, who joined as CEO in 2018 and was a founding member of the partnership, has led Plato through a period of growth and increasing influence.
Under Bellaro's leadership, Plato expanded its membership to more than 35 leading buy- and sell-side institutions, including its first hedge fund member. He also strengthened the Turquoise PlatoTM partnership, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and choice in European block trading.
Bellaro's tenure was marked by a string of initiatives that have improved efficiency and fairness across the market. One of his notable achievements was commissioning and publishing MI3 Academic Research on various topics, providing members and the industry with independent, data-driven insights.
The Plato Advisory Committee, which will lead a member-driven review to refine Plato's strategy during the transition period, considers Bellaro's role in building a forum where members can debate and act on big issues in European equities as vital.
Mark Wilcox, who joined as Chief Operating Officer in 2018, will also step down at the end of the transition period. The Advisory Committee acknowledges Wilcox's operational leadership, deep member engagement, and stewardship of research programs and industry initiatives as vital. His role in delivering Plato's outcomes, often behind the scenes, has been instrumental.
Simon Steward, Buy-Side Chair of the Plato Advisory Committee, expressed gratitude for Bellaro and Wilcox's service and achievements. He stated, "Mike's tenure has been crucial for laying down structures and relationships that will carry Plato forward, while Mark's operational leadership has turned strategic vision into market-wide outcomes."
During the transition, an interim leadership team consisting of Simon Steward, Salvador Rodriguez, and Jack Benda will keep day-to-day operations in motion. The Advisory Committee will work to identify opportunities and challenges for Plato's next chapter, ensuring that the organisation continues to represent the interests of its members and the wider marketplace.
The Advisory Committee will set the course for Plato's future, adapting it to the evolving equities landscape. The search results do not provide specific information on who manages the Plato Advisory Committee in the months before the new CEO search is conducted.
This change marks a new era for Plato Partnership, as it continues to foster debate and action on big issues in European equities, striving for a more efficient and fair marketplace.
