The Gibraltar Blockchain Exchange (GBX) has a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the company announced this Tuesday, appointing Kurt Looyens, the former Country Executive for ABN AMRO Bank Spain to the top position.
Looyens, who has been with the exchange since July of last year, is replacing Nick Cowan as the CEO, who will now work exclusively as the CEO of the Gibraltar Stock Exchange (GSX) and the GSX Group.
When Looyens joined the Blockchain exchange in July 2018, he took on the position of Head of Business Development. Now, he will transition into the role of CEO. According to the statement, his leadership experience in corporate and private banking, as well as experience in running businesses, will help him tackle the top position.
Kurt Looyens, CEO of GBX
Source: LinkedIn
Commenting on the appointment, Looyens said, “I am excited to take the reigns of the GBX as we embark on an exciting new phase of development. This is a very interesting period for the wider GSX Group, following last week’s announcement that the GSX Global Market (GSXGM) will now offer the listing of digital debt and digital fund securities on its multilateral trading facility (MTF).
“My experience building up regional businesses with ABN AMRO Bank, coupled with my in-depth knowledge of financial solutions for a global audience has prepared me to drive the GBX forward as a world-leading digital asset exchange.”
Before GBX, Looyens Spent 25 Years at ABN AMRO
Prior to his tenure at GBX, Looyens spent an impressive 25 years with ABN AMRO Bank, originally joining the firm in 1993 in relationship management. His most recent role with the firm was Country Executive and Head of World Citizen Services Spain & France, his LinkedIn states.
Nick Cowan, CEO of GSX
Source: LinkedIn
“We are pleased to have Kurt transition into the position of CEO of the GBX, following a very successful spell as Head of Business Development. His vast experience in finance, business development, and regulatory matters will provide the GBX with essential leadership to cement its position as a leading digital asset exchange,” added Cowan, the CEO of GSX.
“Kurt shares the overarching vision for the close interaction between the GSX and the GBX, with both entities working in tandem to capture the spirit of collaboration that has fuelled Gibraltar’s pursuit of blockchain innovation,” he continued.
