Mr. Sodano, who on January 13 announced his intention to retire from the Amex in 2005, will continue as chairman of the Amex to accommodate a smooth transition.
Mr. Wolkoff was formerly chief operating officer at the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) and most recently served as a consultant to the Amex working on market operations and trading floor-related matters.
"I am honored to have this opportunity to help guide the American Stock Exchange into a new era as an independent securities exchange," Mr. Wolkoff said. "As acting chief executive, I will put my experience and energy to work to keep the Amex and its membership moving forward while the new board is constituted."
Mr. Wolkoff was appointed NYMEX executive vice president in 1993 and chief operating officer in 2002, during which time he was responsible for spearheading NYMEX's successful off-exchange clearing enterprise. Mr. Wolkoff also served as acting president at the NYMEX from July 2000 through July 2001.
Mr. Wolkoff received a bachelor of arts from the College of Columbia University in 1977 and a law degree from Boston University School of Law in 1980. He is a member of the Bar of the State of New York and the United States District Court, Southern District of New York.
