Dr Gibson-Smith is currently Chairman of National Air Traffic Services (NATS) Limited, a post he took up after being a managing director at BP plc. He is a non-executive director of Lloyds TSB Group plc and British Land plc.
He will join the Exchange Board from 1 May and will succeed the current Chairman, Don Cruickshank, when his term of office concludes at the end of the Exchange's Annual General Meeting in July.
Announcing Dr Gibson-Smith's appointment, Don Cruickshank said:
"Chris Gibson-Smith brings real depth of very relevant experience on an international stage. His insights and
leadership skills will be invaluable to the Exchange. He is extremely well qualified to lead the Board, and to
support the executive team led by Chief Executive Clara Furse."
Welcoming the appointment, Clara Furse said:
"I am delighted to welcome Chris Gibson-Smith to the Exchange. His international commercial experience
and strategic acumen will help us to strengthen our position as the world's most global exchange business. I
am very much looking forward to working with him."
Dr Chris Gibson-Smith said:
"I am delighted to be joining the Exchange at a time when it has transformed itself into a successful company
in increasingly competitive markets. The quality of its markets is internationally recognised. I look forward to
working with Clara and her team to help them to realise the tremendous potential of the business in the
United Kingdom, in Europe and worldwide."
