Euronext CEO Stéphane Boujnah to Step Down in May 2027; David Knibbe Named Successor

After more than 11 years leading Euronext, Franco-Tunisian executive Stéphane Boujnah is set to leave his position in May 2027. The group announced the news on Monday, revealing its intention to appoint David Knibbe, current CEO of the Dutch insurer NN Group, as his successor.

Succession Plan and Regulatory Approvals

On the recommendation of its nomination committee, Euronext will propose David Knibbe’s candidacy for the roles of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of the Executive Board at the General Meeting of Shareholders, scheduled for May 20, 2027. However, this appointment is subject to prior approval from the relevant national authorities and the Dutch Minister of Finance.

End of a Strategic Era

Boujnah’s departure marks the conclusion of a significant strategic cycle for the group. Since assuming leadership in November 2015, Boujnah has leveraged acquisitions as the primary driver of Euronext’s transformation and growth. This expansion strategy enabled the integration of several major European financial hubs, including the Irish Stock Exchange, Oslo Børs, Borsa Italiana, and more recently, the ATHEX Stock Exchange. These successive mergers have significantly strengthened the group’s presence across Europe, advancing its ambition to build a pan-European exchange infrastructure.

A New Leadership Profile

The nomination committee selected Knibbe for his extensive experience in managing large listed groups. As CEO of NN Group, Knibbe led a transformation that the company describes as successful, while maintaining robust commercial and financial performance. Although his background in insurance differs from Boujnah’s focus on financial markets, Knibbe’s track record in steering a major financial group is viewed as a key asset for taking the helm at Euronext.

Transition Timeline and Future Strategy

The timeline allows the group several months to prepare for this leadership transition. This period is intended to ensure a smooth organizational and regulatory handover, while also enabling Boujnah to continue advancing ongoing strategic initiatives until the effective transfer of responsibilities.

Beyond the immediate transition, market attention is turning to Euronext’s future roadmap. Key questions remain: Will Knibbe continue the strategy of external growth through acquisitions, or will he prioritize the integration and consolidation of already-acquired entities? His strategic direction is expected to become clearer following the General Meeting on May 20, 2027, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals.