The Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) said on August 7, 2026, that its founding Chief Executive Officer, Tilahun Esmael (PhD), had been replaced by the Chief Operating Officer, Yodit Kassa. ESX credited Tilahun with steering the Exchange from its early project phase into a fully operational securities market. He established its governance, technological and operational foundations while building relationships with regulators, investors and other stakeholders. Yodit and Tilahun have been working in ESX since its foundation, previously serving as Chief Business Officer and COO. She takes over with priorities that include expanding the issuer base, increasing market participation, introducing new products, and strengthening Ethiopia's capital markets. She was the Head of Business Development at ACCA before joining ESX, working for six years.

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