Shifting Gears -- People & Careers

Senator D'Amato Joins COESfx

Former United States Senator Alfonse D'Amato joined the COESfx Advisory Board. Based in Plainview, N.Y., COESfx operates a Web-based platform (coesfx.com) that enables the direct trading of foreign currency online. As a member of the COESfx board, D'Amato will work with other finance and technology professionals, including renowned economist Maria Fiorini Ramirez, to promote foreign-exchange advocacy and strategic-corporate planning.

D'Amato was first elected to the senate in 1980 and served three terms. During his tenure, he served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, overseeing legislation affecting financial institutions, banking, public and private housing, urban development and foreign trade promotion. "I have a unique perspective on how COESfx relates to the banking commerce industry as the industry was, and as it's been transformed as a result of technology," he tells WS&T editor Maria Santos. "I understand the do's and don'ts from the regulatory side, the legislative side and the practical business side."

Nasdaq Names SVP of Market Data

William O'Brien was appointed SVP of Nasdaq market data distribution within the Nasdaq data products division. He is charged with maintaining the integrity of data that is disseminated to the public. O'Brien reports to Adena Friedman, EVP of corporate strategy and data products.

"Nasdaq is facing some strategic issues with regard to ways to grow with market data, and Bill brings a great deal of expertise," says Friedman. She adds that since O'Brien is an attorney by training, he's also able to leverage his legal skills. "In an organization that has a lot of dealings with the SEC and other legal bodies, I think it's an added benefit for us that he has that training," she says.

O'Brien will retain his post of chief operations officer of Brut, which will be integrated with Nasdaq at an undisclosed time.

Former Nasdaq Exec Runs Research Firm

Glen Wolyner joined Revere Data, a San Francisco, Calif.-based research and market data firm, as CEO. Most recently, Wolyner served as executive vice president of Nasdaq, where he was in charge of transaction services and his accomplishments included the introduction of FIX connectivity, a full strategic review and departmental restructuring.

As CEO, Wolyner's goal is to get the small company out in the marketplace in a "very aggressive and focused fashion," he says. His efforts will center on the firm's research, adding resources and making it easier to use. Wolyner replaces Michael Engmann, who remains as Revere's chairman.

Keeping Tabs

Former TowerGroup analyst Bob Iati was named managing director of Tabb Group.

Daniel Ludeman has been elected chairman of the SIA board of directors for 2005. Ludeman is president and chief executive officer of Wachovia Securities. He succeeds Richard Thornburgh, vice chairman of Credit Suisse First Boston's executive board.

Financial Models Company named Jose Manso managing director of the company's FMCNet business unit. Manso previously worked at Omgeo and the DTCC.

Adrian Gray joined XcitekSolutionsPlus as a senior client administrator in London. He was formerly senior business consultant for corporate actions at SmartStream Technologies.