Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) has announced that its chief executive officer Nicolas Aguzin will leave his post when his contract ends in May next year.

The city’s stock operator has named one of its co-chief operating officers, Bonnie Chan, as Aguzin's successor on a three-year term.

Chan will be the first female chief executive at the HKEX.

In another appointment, co-chief operating officer Wilfred Yiu will begin serving as deputy chief executive from May.

In a statement, Aguzin said it has been a privilege of a lifetime to lead the HKEX.

“I owe deep gratitude to all the hardworking colleagues, partners and stakeholders who have supported me along the way,” he said.

In a statement, the HKEX board expressed its gratitude to Aguzin for his contributions and leadership since 2021 "against a particularly challenging macro backdrop, shaped by Covid and weak global markets”.

HKEX chairwoman Laura Cha also thanked Aguzin for his role in driving and promoting Hong Kong’s financial markets internationally during his tenure.