Nomura Makes Key Program Trading Appointments

Nomura Securities International has named several new senior leaders for its program trading team to support the expansion of its U.S. capabilities and the build out of its global portfolio trading offerings.

In a company statement, Ciaran O’Kelly, senior managing director of Nomura Securities International and head of Equities for the Americas, said, “These appointments highlight the strong team we have assembled in portfolio trading, and affirm Nomura’s commitment to building a world-class equities business. Program trading was the first product we launched in the U.S., and was tremendously successful in its first year, especially as an integrated part of our international equities business. The traders and salespeople named today have already made substantial contributions and will continue to lead our client business as we develop the full range of equity products.”

Joe Sokolowski, managing director, has been appointed head of principal trading. Sokolowski was previously with Merrill Lynch in agency and risk trading and also in sales for program and electronic trading.

Mark Govoni, executive director, has been named head of U.S. program sales-trading and index analytics. Govoni was also previously with Merrill Lynch.

William O’Brien, executive director, will lead the quantitative advisory effort and continue in his sales-trader role. Prior to Nomura, O’Brien was with JP Morgan’s portfolio trading desk.

Gerald Casey, executive director, will head the international portfolio sales team in New York. Previously Casey was with Lehman Brothers and Barclays Capital in portfolio sales.