US-based block trading start up OptimX has selected a former Virtu buy-side sales specialist to become its new head of institutional sales, The TRADE can reveal.
Michelle Butler joins OptimX to head up its buy-side business after most recently serving at Virtu for 19 years, managing sales for its POSIT Alert business.
Prior to joining Virtu, she spent six years as head of sales and coverage at E-Crossnet – one of Europe’s first peer to peer crossing networks.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Michelle to the team,” said Peter McStay, head of EMEA for OptimX. “Her extensive experience delivering liquidity to some of the largest global asset managers will be integral as we launch OptimX’s liquidity management technology across the US and EMEA.”
Aquis Exchange moved to expand its block crossing remit by taking a minority stake in OptimX Markets in August last year.
The deal was completed as part of a consortium which also includes the venture capital arm of Deutsche Boerse Group, DB1 Ventures.
The start up found itself in the headlines once more in November, with news that Liberum was set to connect to its block trading capability in early 2024.