London, 20 April 2010

The London Metal Exchange ( LME) today announces the appointment, with immediate effect, of Sir Brian Bender KCB as Chairman of both its Holdings and Limited Boards. Sir Brian takes over from Donald Brydon CBE, who recently announced his intention to step down as Chairman once a successor had been found. Sir Brian retired from the civil service in March 2009, having been a Permanent Secretary for nearly 10 years.  His final post was at the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, and before that the DTI and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

LME Chief Executive Martin Abbott said, “Sir Brian brings extensive knowledge of the decision making process in the UK and European Union and his experience in public policy on issues affecting business will be of immediate relevance to the LME.”

Sir Brian commented on his appointment, saying, “It is a great privilege to be appointed Chairman of such a successful and dynamic institution as the London Metal Exchange. I look forward to working with the Boards of Limited and Holdings, and also with Martin Abbott and the Executive team, and building on the very successful development of the Exchange under Donald Brydon’s leadership.”

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