Key Appointment Supports S&P Push In European Index Market

Standard & Poor's, a leading provider of global indices, has appointed Christopher O'Brien as Director of Market Development for its index business in Europe. Mr. O'Brien, who will be based in Paris, joins from Crédit Lyonnais Asset Management, where he was Head of Development for SPDR Europe exchange traded funds (ETF's).

The move follows last month's hiring of Eudald Canadell, formerly senior director of the Spanish derivatives exchange MEFF (part of the MF group), to head Standard & Poor's European index business. His appointment underlines Standard & Poor's expanded presence in the European index market, where the S&P Europe 350 index is winning increasing market share.

"Christopher O'Brien will play a vital role in developing and promoting our index products in Europe," said Mr. Canadell. "He will help us meet the needs of investors in the region through licensing of investment vehicles and derivative products, based both on the S&P Europe 350 and on new indices that we plan to develop."

Before joining Crédit Lyonnais in 1998, Mr. O'Brien spent 11 years in international marketing and sales with Schlumberger Industries, LVMH, and as a management consultant with Solving International. He holds degrees in International Affairs from Bucknell University in the US and Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris in France.