Nasdaq, Inc. (NASDAQ:NDAQ) today announced that Michael Ptasznik has decided to retire from his position as Chief Financial Officer effective February 28, 2021. Mr

Ptasznik will be succeeded by Ann Dennison, Nasdaq’s Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer. Ms Dennison will assume the CFO role effective March 1, 2021.

Mr Ptasznik joined Nasdaq in 2016, and during his tenure he played an important role in a number of the company’s strategic and financial business initiatives, executing $1.1 billion of acquisitions and more than $500 million of divestitures, managing a successful balance sheet and refinancing $3.5 billion of debt, and overseeing the establishment of Nasdaq Venture’s investment program. He was an early and passionate sponsor of Nasdaq’s Environmental, Social and Governance corporate and commercial initiatives. Mr Ptasznik’s retirement follows a successful 30-year career in the accounting and financial services profession.

Prior to joining Nasdaq, Mr Ptasznik served as Chief Financial Officer for TMX Group Limited. During the course of his 20-year tenure at that firm, he provided strategic and financial leadership through significant corporate and funding transactions, including the firm’s successful 2002 IPO, the transformational merger with the Montreal Exchange, and the $3.8 billion Maple transaction in 2012.

“On behalf of the entire team at Nasdaq and the Board of Directors, I want to thank Michael for his leadership and dedication to our company and values,” said Adena Friedman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Nasdaq. “During his time with Nasdaq, Michael has been vital to the development and successful execution of our business strategies, including the important role he played in repositioning Nasdaq as a global technology company”.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside Adena, the Board of Directors and the entire team at Nasdaq,” said Ptasznik. “Under Adena’s leadership, Nasdaq embarked on a strategic pivot to establish itself as a leading technology, data and analytics company. The company achieved this through a number of strategic acquisitions, organic investments in technology and people, and with a clear vision. Having been a part of that transformation has been one of the most rewarding times of my career”.