Eurex Names Eric Leupold as Next CEO After Robbert Booij
Eurex Frankfurt AG has appointed Eric Leupold as its next chief executive officer, succeeding Robbert Booij on January 1, 2027. Here is what the change means for the exchange and its traders.
Eric Leupold has been appointed chief executive officer of Eurex Frankfurt AG, succeeding Robbert Booij, who decided not to seek an extension of his Executive Board mandate. Leupold will take office on January 1, 2027. The appointment marks a leadership transition at one of Europe's major derivatives exchanges, and it comes from within the Deutsche Börse Group, of which Eurex is part.
Who Is Replacing Robbert Booij at Eurex
Eric Leupold is a long-serving Deutsche Börse Group executive with experience across the group's cash market, strategy and venture activities. His appointment means Eurex will be led by someone who already knows the group's structure, its clients and its approach to growth. Booij's term will end as the exchange moves into its next stage under Leupold's leadership.
Robbert Booij's Tenure at Eurex
Booij led Eurex through a period of record performance and business growth, while keeping a close focus on cost management. He also oversaw the work of bringing Eurex Exchange and Eurex Clearing together as one client-focused organization. That integration matters because it lets the exchange and its clearing operations work as a single unit for market participants.
Booij's decision not to seek an extension means the leadership change was planned around the end of his current mandate rather than prompted by a dispute or a performance issue. The company's statements describe it as a decision on his part, and the appointment is framed as the next step in the exchange's development.
Eric Leupold's Career at Deutsche Börse
Leupold joined Deutsche Börse Group in 2009. Over the years he has held senior positions in issuer and primary market relations, capital markets, new markets, venture portfolio management and DB1 Ventures. That range covers the listing side of the business, the funding side, and the early-stage investment side.
He has also served as Head of the Deutsche Börse Cash Market and as a managing director. In addition, he held the positions of Chief of Staff for Trading & Clearing and Head of Strategy, roles that put him close to the group's trading and clearing operations and its long-term planning.
Leupold has held several board and leadership roles outside the cash market. These include CEO of Frankfurt Stock Exchange, Vice Chairman of Forge Europe, and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Crypto Finance AG. Taken together, this gives him experience in exchange management, market infrastructure and digital assets.
What Eric Leupold Said About the Appointment
In a LinkedIn post, Leupold described his five years leading the Cash Market business as an important part of his career. During that period, his team expanded the retail offering and strengthened Deutsche Börse's position in exchange-traded funds. He also pointed to the rebranding and revival of Alte Börse as a highlight.
Leupold said the Cash Market is now prepared for further growth, and that he is ready for a new role within Deutsche Börse Group. He described his appointment at Eurex as an honor and a major responsibility, especially following Booij's successful tenure. He plans to work with the Eurex team and its international partners during the exchange's next period of growth and innovation.
He also thanked the Cash Market team, Deutsche Börse Group clients and colleagues for their trust and support.
Thomas Book on the Leadership Change
Thomas Book, an Executive Board member of Deutsche Börse Group, praised Booij for his leadership and his contributions to Eurex. According to Book, Booij helped expand the business, strengthen Eurex's position as a leading global derivatives exchange, and build a cooperative organization focused on clients.
Book also welcomed Leupold's appointment. He pointed to Leupold's understanding of the business and his experience across Deutsche Börse Group as important assets for the role. In Book's view, that background gives Leupold a strong foundation for leading Eurex into its next phase.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Incoming CEO | Eric Leupold |
| Outgoing CEO | Robbert Booij (not seeking an extension of his Executive Board mandate) |
| Effective date | January 1, 2027 |
| Leupold's group background | Joined Deutsche Börse Group in 2009; former Head of the Cash Market and Head of Strategy |
| Eurex origin | Created in 1998 through the merger of DTB and SOFFEX |
| Ownership | Deutsche Börse AG acquired full ownership in 2012 |
What the Leadership Change Means for Traders
A change of CEO does not change how Eurex-listed products trade today. Contract specifications, trading hours and clearing arrangements are set by the exchange's rules and processes, not by the person at the top. For most traders, the practical impact of this appointment will show up gradually, in product development and in the exchange's priorities over time.
The company has said Leupold will guide Eurex through its next period of growth and product development. That suggests attention to new products, market access and client services, though the specific initiatives have not yet been detailed in the announcement. Traders who want to follow how this plays out can watch official exchange communications for product launches and rule changes.
If you trade derivatives through a broker rather than directly on the exchange, your broker's access, fees and available markets matter more than the CEO's identity. Before opening an account, compare providers carefully. Our XM Group review is one example of the type of broker analysis we publish, covering what to check before you deposit.
What to Watch Between Now and January 2027
- Official transition updates: Watch for statements from Eurex Frankfurt AG and Deutsche Börse Group on the handover arrangements.
- Booij's final months: His remaining period in the role is when continuity of projects and client relationships will be most visible.
- Leupold's early priorities: The first public signals on strategy, products and partnerships will show how he plans to build on the current business.
- Rule and product notices: Any changes to trading or clearing arrangements will be published by the exchange ahead of time.
Trading involves risk, and leadership news is rarely a reason to change a trading plan on its own. Keep your decisions tied to your own analysis and risk management.
About Eurex
Eurex is a German derivatives exchange that offers trading in a wide range of European derivatives. It was created in 1998 through the merger of Deutsche Terminbörse (DTB) and the Swiss Options and Financial Futures Exchange (SOFFEX). Deutsche Börse AG acquired full ownership of Eurex in 2012.
What Happens Next
Eric Leupold becomes CEO of Eurex on January 1, 2027, following Robbert Booij's decision to leave the role without extending his mandate. Leupold will guide the exchange through its next period of growth and product development, building on the integration and client focus that Booij led.
Further reading: Cryptocurrency (Wikipedia).
