Capital Group’s Simon Steward appointed as Buy-Side Chair of Plato Partnership

Plato Partnership, the not-for-profit member organisation bringing creative solutions and efficiencies to today’s equity, today announces that Simon Steward has been appointed as its Buy-Side Chair. After five years of dedicated service, Christoph Hock, Head of Multi-Asset Trading at Union Investments, will be stepping down as Plato Buy-side Chair.

Christoph Hock's tenure as Buy-Side Chair has been marked by his unwavering commitment to the Partnership, its initiatives, and its working groups. Under his guidance, Plato has brought a wealth of new innovations to the marketplace, driving its mission to build a stronger, more innovative capital markets ecosystem.

Hock's decision to step down as Buy-Side Chair is driven by his move to a new role within Union Investment where he will be responsible for new important tasks with a focus on strategic issues surrounding future-facing topics, including the token economy, digital assets, and data science. Plato fully supports Hock's career progression and recognises that his resignation from the Partnership aligns with his evolving responsibilities.

Taking the reins as the new Buy-Side Chair is Simon Steward, Director & European Head of Equity Trading at Capital Group. With over 24 years of experience in capital markets and over three years as a member of Plato’s Board, Simon brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and fresh insights to the Partnership.

Mike Bellaro, CEO of Plato Partnership, said: "Christoph has been an invaluable asset to Plato Partnership for the past five years. His advice, guidance, and vision have left an indelible mark on our organisation. We thank him for his incredible dedication and wish him all the best in his new role at Union Investment. As we welcome Simon Steward, we are excited about the fresh perspectives and wealth of experience he brings to the Plato project. With his extensive expertise in capital markets, Simon is well-equipped to guide our collaborative efforts in our ongoing mission to foster innovation and efficiency for market participants. We look forward to his contributions as we continue to navigate the complexities of today's marketplace."

Christoph Hock, Head of Multi-Asset Trading at Union Investments, said "It has been a privilege to serve as the Buy-Side Chair for Plato Partnership and work alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to our mission, and I look forward to watching as it continues to make a difference for the marketplace and its participants."

Simon Steward, Director & European Head of Equity Trading at Capital Group, said "I am honoured to join Plato Partnership as the Buy-Side Chair and work alongside our dedicated members. I am committed to building upon the strong foundation laid by Christoph and the team in driving innovation for our industry."

Plato Partnership looks forward to continued growth and success with Simon Steward's support and guidance.