Tilahun Kassahun has been selected as the founding CEO of the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) as the organization prepares for launch.
The appointment was approved at the latest board meeting chaired by Helaway Tadesse. The board expressed confidence that Tilahun's expertise will pave the way for ESX's success.
Tilahun takes the reins during a period when ESX poised to become the first formalized securities exchange in Ethiopia's history. It was officially established last month with the backing of government investment firm Ethiopian Investment Holdings and other shareholders.
Regulated as a self-regulatory organization under national capital markets laws, ESX aims to help build out the country's financial infrastructure and channels for companies and investors. The exchange recognizes the important role it can play in fostering sustainable economic growth.
A veteran of the financial sector, Tilahun arrives equipped for the undertaking. Most recently, he served as project manager guiding ESX's establishment phase. Prior to that, he advised the private sector at the International Finance Corporation for over six years.
Tilahun holds a doctorate focused on international economic law and brings experience from roles at Haramaya University and Addis Ababa University.
