Nicolas Aguzin

Nicolás Aguzin
Nicolas Aguzin at World Economic Forum in 2014
BornDecember 1968 (age 55–56)
Argentina
Alma materWharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
TitleFormer CEO of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing
SpouseInés Aguzin

Alejandro Nicolás Aguzin (nicknamed Gucho; Chinese: 歐冠昇; born 1968) is an Argentinian banker. He was the chief executive officer of Hong Kong Exchange and Clearing Limited (HKEX) between May 2021 and February 2024.[1][2][3][4]

Prior to this, he was the chief executive officer of international private bank at J.P Morgan Chase.[5]

Early life

Aguzin was born circa 1968 in Formosa, Argentina.[6] He attended St. George's College, Quilmes[7] since 10 years old. He moved to the United States to attend the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania where he received a bachelor degree in Economics.[5][8]

Career

Aguzin joined J.P Morgan Chase in 1990 in Buenos Aires as a financial analyst. Between 1990 and 2005, he held a variety of roles in New York and Buenos Aires including Head of the Investment Banking Division in Latin America.[5] In 2005 he was appointed as CEO of Latin America.[5]

Aguzin relocated to Hong Kong with J.P. Morgan Chase in 2012, and from 2013 to 2020, he was the CEO of Asia-Pacific.[2] Aguzin was also Head of the Investment Banking Division in Asia-Pacific. From 2019 to 2021, Aguzin was CEO of the International Private Bank at J.P Morgan Chase.[6]

On 9 February 2021 HKEX announced that it had appointed Aguzin as chief executive officer, effective 24 May 2021 for a term of three years, until 23 May 2024.[1][2] The appointment of a non-Chinese person as CEO of HKEX was reportedly unexpected by market observers, who noted Aguzin will have to balance the demands of authorities in Beijing with those of Hong Kong's trading community.[9]

In December 2023, HKEX announced that Aguzin informed the board that he will not seek reappointment at the end of his contract in May 2024. His term was marked by difficulties which included regulatory crackdowns, COVID-19 pandemic and a decline in profits leading to the HKEX share price plunging 42%.[10] Aguzin left his role two months early at the end of February 2024 and was succeeded by Bonnie Chan.[11]

Personal life

Aguzin is a permanent resident of Hong Kong where he currently resides with his wife, Ines.[6] He also holds a Croatian passport.[5]

He speaks Spanish, Portuguese and English.[5]

Aguzin is known by his nickname, Gucho which is a play on words in Spanish that hints at his reputation as a big character.[12]

Aguzin sits on the board of directors of MercadoLibre,[13] and is also on the boards of trustees of the Asia Society and the Eisenhower Fellowships.[5]

References

  1. ^ a b "Aguzin becomes first non-Chinese to head Hong Kong bourse". South China Morning Post. 2021-03-02. Retrieved 2021-06-09.
  2. ^ a b c "Former JPMorgan banker takes the helm at HKEX". www.theasset.com. Retrieved 2021-06-09.
  3. ^ Cathy, Chan (2021-02-09). "Hong Kong Exchange Names JPMorgan's Aguzin New CEO". Bloomberg.
  4. ^ "Hong Kong stock exchange chief Nicolas Aguzin to step down". www.ft.com. Retrieved 2024-03-01.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g "Who is Nicolas Aguzin, the former JPMorgan banker set to lead HKEX?". South China Morning Post. 2021-03-03. Retrieved 2021-06-09.
  6. ^ a b c "'Nicolas Aguzin cleared to head HKEX' - RTHK". news.rthk.hk. Retrieved 2021-06-09.
  7. ^ ""To be very successful you have to develop your passion"". St George's College, Quilmes. 2021-07-28. Retrieved 2021-08-14.
  8. ^ "Dinner with Nicolas Aguzin W90, Chairman & CEO, JP Morgan APAC". Wharton Club of Hong Kong. Retrieved 2021-06-09.
  9. ^ Murdoch, Alun John, Scott (2021-02-09). "UPDATE 4-Hong Kong stock exchange names JPMorgan's Aguzin as new chief executive". Reuters. Retrieved 2021-07-19.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  10. ^ Wiggins, Kaye (15 December 2023). "Hong Kong stock exchange chief Nicolas Aguzin to step down". www.ft.com. Retrieved 2024-01-20.
  11. ^ Yiu, Enoch (2024-02-09). "Aguzin to leave HKEX role two months early, Bonnie Chan CEO from March 1". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  12. ^ Kinder, Tabby (May 29, 2021). "Larger-than-life banker tasked with taking Hong Kong exchange global". www.ft.com. Retrieved 2021-07-19.
  13. ^ "MELI | MercadoLibre Inc. Company Profile & Executives - WSJ". www.wsj.com. Retrieved 2021-06-09.
Business positions
Preceded by Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing
2021-2024 		Succeeded by
Bonnie Chan