London & Kansas City - BATS Chi-X Europe has appointed Guy Simpkin as head of business development.

Mr. Simpkin, who will initially focus on opportunities in European indexes and derivatives, joins the BATS Chi-X Europe executive committee and reports to Mark Hemsley, chief executive officer of BATS Chi-X Europe.

"Guy was deeply involved in all areas of business development for Chi-X Europe and it is a natural progression for him to lead our efforts in this area," said Mr. Hemsley.

Mr. Simpkin is a 27-year industry veteran who has held senior business development roles at LIFFE (now NYSE Liffe) and in equity and equity derivatives clearing at LCH.Clearnet. He joined Chi-X Europe in May 2010 in a business development role focusing on a derivatives business strategy.

Mr. Simpkin said: "I am excited to lead BATS Chi-X Europe's business development initiatives to bring more competition to the European index and derivatives area, among others, as the company has successfully done in the equities market. I look forward to continuing to work with the BATS Chi-X Europe team to execute this vision and remain at the forefront of innovation."