NEW YORK & LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jefferies announced today the appointment of Yvonne J. Downs as Chief Operating Officer of Jefferies Futures Division. She will work closely with Patrice Blanc, President of Jefferies Futures Division, who was previously CEO of Newedge Group and joined the firm in October 2010 to start the futures business at Jefferies. Together, they will continue the build-out and manage the development of a futures and options trading and clearing business on the listed financial and commodity markets. Ms. Downs will be based in Jefferies’ Chicago office.
“We are very pleased to welcome Yvonne Downs to the futures business at Jefferies,” said Richard B. Handler, Chief Executive Officer of Jefferies. “Her substantial experience within the futures industry and significant product expertise will make a significant impact on this important new segment of our business as we seek to bring new products and additional levels of service to our institutional clients.”
Mr. Blanc commented, “Having spent over 20 years in various leadership positions in the futures industry, Yvonne brings the necessary knowledge and talent to help build Jefferies’ Futures Division. Her hiring represents another example of our firm’s commitment to becoming a global leader in both the futures and derivatives markets over the next several years.”
Ms. Downs brings to Jefferies more than 30 years of industry experience, and joins from ICAP North America, where she was Head of Futures, Commodities and SEF Compliance. Previously, she was Head of Compliance for the Americas at Newedge USA, and prior to that, was Head of Futures Compliance at Fimat USA. Ms. Downs also spent five years at the National Futures Association and 20 years at the Chicago Board of Trade in various roles. She received her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University.
Jefferies Group, Inc. (NYSE: JEF), a global securities and investment banking firm, has served companies and investors for 49 years.