Donald Trump has named the founder and executive chairman of a high-frequency trading (HFT) firm as Secretary of the Army.
The appointment of Vincent Viola, who founded the market-maker in 2008, previously served with the 101st Airborne Division after graduating from the United States Military Academy in 1977. After a five year career as an officer he went on to study at New York Law School.
Viola’s previous roles include as a trader on the New York Mercantile Exchange and as chairman of NYMEX from 2001 to 2004.
A statement from President-elect Trump said: “Whether it is his distinguished military service or highly impressive track record in the world of business, Vinnie has proved throughout his life that he knows how to be a leader and deliver major results in the face of any challenge.”