Nasdaq has named Michael Sanderson as chief executive officer of Nasdaq Europe. Sanderson, 58, is responsible for leading the operation and development of Nasdaq Europe, as it continues to focus on building its liquidity and market share and becoming a major player in the European marketplace. Reporting to John Hilley, chairman of Nasdaq International, Sanderson will be based in
London.

Sanderson was previously chairman and chief executive officer of Market XT, the first firm to offer after-hours equity trading to retail investors. Prior to that, he was chairman and CEO of Reuters America Holdings. Sanderson began his career at Merrill Lynch, as a registered representative in the firm’s Stamford, Connecticut office, rising to chairman and chief executive officer of Merrill Lynch Canada during its first go round in Canada.

“The wealth of experience and leadership that Michael brings in electronic-, after-hours and global-trading will serve us well as we forge ahead in our vision of a globally linked marketplace,” says John Hilley. “We believe that he will be instrumental in building on the foundation we have set in Europe and in continuing to strengthen our presence in this key market for Nasdaq.”

“I am excited to join Nasdaq at this historic time in the company’s history,” says Sanderson. “I look forward to the opportunity to build our European operation and play a role in Nasdaq’s development of a market that trades across international borders.”