Optiver Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Optiver has 10 executives leading key functions including technology, financial oversight, operational management, and human capital strategy.

Driven by a commitment to market liquidity and technological precision, Optiver delivers competitive pricing across global financial products through advanced proprietary trading systems and rigorous analytical frameworks.

Leadership Roles at Optiver

  • Chief Financial Officer - Michael Deaton
  • Chief Financial Officer & Head of Control Assurance Functions (APAC) - Ioana Martinez
  • Chief Financial Officer (Australia) - Paul Cotter
  • Chief Financial Officer (Australia) - Peter Sherry
  • Chief Operating Officer & Executive Director Head of Compliance - Amy Hui
  • Chief Technology Officer - Scott McKenzie
  • Chief Technology Officer Office Head of Global Project Management - Sarah Meijnderts
  • Chief Technology Officer (US) - Alexander Itkin
  • Chief People Officer - Charlie Whitmer
  • Chief People Officer (APAC) - Natalie Nicholson
  • Michael Deaton - Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Deaton, the Chief Financial Officer at Optiver, manages the firm's global financial health and capital allocation strategies. Deaton oversees the treasury functions, regulatory reporting, and fiscal planning required to support proprietary trading operations across international markets. By analyzing market volatility and capital requirements, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the firm maintains sufficient liquidity to execute trades efficiently. This leadership role involves close coordination with the executive board to align financial risk management with long-term growth objectives. Michael Deaton drives the implementation of robust internal controls and financial reporting standards that uphold the firm's reputation for integrity. Through the oversight of global tax and accounting operations, the Chief Financial Officer supports the firm's ability to provide competitive pricing in complex financial products. Ultimately, Deaton secures the financial stability needed to navigate shifting global market conditions.

    Ioana Martinez - Chief Financial Officer & Head of Control Assurance Functions (APAC)

    Ioana Martinez, the Chief Financial Officer & Head of Control Assurance Functions (APAC) at Optiver, directs financial operations and control frameworks across the Asia-Pacific region. Martinez oversees the regional fiscal strategy, ensuring that all trading activities align with local regulatory requirements and internal risk policies. By managing control assurance functions, the Chief Financial Officer & Head of Control Assurance Functions (APAC) mitigates operational risks associated with high-frequency trading in diverse markets. This leadership role involves building strong relationships with regional regulators and internal stakeholders to maintain compliance and transparency. Ioana Martinez drives the development of regional financial reporting processes that support the firm's broader mission of providing liquidity. Through the rigorous monitoring of regional capital flows, the Chief Financial Officer & Head of Control Assurance Functions (APAC) ensures that the firm remains agile and competitive. Ultimately, Martinez secures the operational integrity of the firm's APAC expansion.

    Paul Cotter - Chief Financial Officer (Australia)

    Paul Cotter, the Chief Financial Officer (Australia) at Optiver, manages the financial operations and regulatory compliance for the firm's Australian market presence. Cotter oversees the local treasury, tax planning, and financial reporting functions that support the firm's proprietary trading activities in the region. By monitoring local market dynamics and capital efficiency, the Chief Financial Officer (Australia) ensures that the firm maintains a competitive edge in pricing financial products. This leadership role involves coordinating with global finance teams to ensure consistency in reporting and risk management standards. Paul Cotter drives the implementation of local financial strategies that align with the firm's overarching mission of market liquidity. Through the oversight of regional fiscal performance, the Chief Financial Officer (Australia) supports the firm's ability to scale operations effectively within the Australian financial landscape. Ultimately, Cotter secures the financial foundation for the firm's continued success in the region.

    Peter Sherry - Chief Financial Officer (Australia)

    Peter Sherry, the Chief Financial Officer (Australia) at Optiver, manages the financial planning and analysis for the firm's Australian operations. Sherry oversees the budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes that support the firm's trading activities in the region. By analyzing local market trends and cost structures, the Chief Financial Officer (Australia) ensures that the firm maintains optimal capital allocation for its proprietary trading strategies. This leadership role involves collaborating with regional management to identify growth opportunities and mitigate financial risks. Peter Sherry drives the development of financial models that support the firm's mission of providing liquidity in Australian financial products. Through the oversight of regional financial performance, the Chief Financial Officer (Australia) ensures that the firm remains profitable and compliant with local regulations. Ultimately, Sherry secures the financial health and operational efficiency of the firm's Australian business unit.

    Amy Hui - Chief Operating Officer & Executive Director Head of Compliance

    Amy Hui, the Chief Operating Officer & Executive Director Head of Compliance at Optiver, directs the firm's operational workflows and regulatory compliance programs. Hui oversees the integration of trading operations with legal and compliance frameworks to ensure that all activities meet global standards. By managing the intersection of operational efficiency and regulatory adherence, the Chief Operating Officer & Executive Director Head of Compliance enables the firm to provide consistent liquidity in financial markets. This leadership role involves developing policies that govern trading conduct and internal risk management. Amy Hui drives the implementation of compliance monitoring systems that protect the firm's reputation and operational license. Through the oversight of cross-functional teams, the Chief Operating Officer & Executive Director Head of Compliance supports the firm's mission of delivering competitive pricing. Ultimately, Hui secures the operational and regulatory framework necessary for the firm to thrive in a highly regulated global environment.

    Scott McKenzie - Chief Technology Officer

    Scott McKenzie, the Chief Technology Officer at Optiver, directs the firm's global technological infrastructure and high-frequency trading architecture. McKenzie oversees the development of low-latency systems that enable the firm to provide competitive pricing in financial markets worldwide. By managing the engineering teams responsible for core trading platforms, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that all software deployments maintain peak performance and reliability. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with quantitative researchers to refine algorithmic execution strategies. Scott McKenzie drives the integration of cutting-edge hardware and software solutions to maintain a distinct edge in the proprietary trading landscape. Through the optimization of data processing pipelines, the Chief Technology Officer supports the firm's mission of delivering liquidity across diverse asset classes. Ultimately, McKenzie secures the technological foundation necessary for sustained market participation and operational excellence in the fast-paced finance sector.

    Sarah Meijnderts - Chief Technology Officer Office Head of Global Project Management

    Sarah Meijnderts, the Chief Technology Officer Office Head of Global Project Management at Optiver, directs the execution of large-scale technological initiatives across the firm's global offices. Meijnderts oversees the project management lifecycle for critical infrastructure upgrades and software development projects that support proprietary trading. By coordinating between engineering teams and business stakeholders, the Chief Technology Officer Office Head of Global Project Management ensures that technological advancements align with the firm's strategic goals. This leadership role involves managing resource allocation and timelines for complex technical deployments. Sarah Meijnderts drives the adoption of standardized project management methodologies that enhance the efficiency of the firm's technology office. Through the oversight of global project portfolios, the Chief Technology Officer Office Head of Global Project Management supports the firm's mission of maintaining high-performance trading systems. Ultimately, Meijnderts secures the successful delivery of technology projects that drive the firm's competitive advantage.
    Sarah Meijnderts

    Alexander Itkin - Chief Technology Officer (US)

    Alexander Itkin, the Chief Technology Officer (US) at Optiver, directs the technological strategy and infrastructure development for the firm's US operations. Itkin oversees the engineering teams responsible for building and maintaining the low-latency trading systems that enable the firm to provide competitive pricing in US financial markets. By managing the technical roadmap for the region, the Chief Technology Officer (US) ensures that the firm's systems remain at the forefront of technological innovation. This leadership role involves close collaboration with global technology leadership to align regional capabilities with the firm's international standards. Alexander Itkin drives the implementation of high-performance computing solutions that support the firm's proprietary trading mission. Through the oversight of US-based technical projects, the Chief Technology Officer (US) supports the firm's ability to provide liquidity across diverse asset classes. Ultimately, Itkin secures the technological infrastructure required for the firm's continued growth in the US market.
    Alexander Itkin

    Charlie Whitmer - Chief People Officer

    Charlie Whitmer, the Chief People Officer at Optiver, directs the firm's global human capital strategy, including talent acquisition, development, and organizational culture. Whitmer oversees the programs that attract and retain top-tier quantitative researchers, engineers, and traders who drive the firm's proprietary trading success. By managing the employee lifecycle and performance management systems, the Chief People Officer ensures that the firm maintains a high-performance workforce capable of navigating complex financial markets. This leadership role involves fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration across all global offices. Charlie Whitmer drives the implementation of talent development initiatives that align with the firm's mission of technological and analytical excellence. Through the oversight of global HR operations, the Chief People Officer supports the firm's ability to scale its human capital in line with business growth. Ultimately, Whitmer secures the talent foundation necessary for the firm's long-term success.

    Natalie Nicholson - Chief People Officer (APAC)

    Natalie Nicholson, the Chief People Officer (APAC) at Optiver, directs the human resources strategy and talent management for the firm's Asia-Pacific region. Nicholson oversees the recruitment, training, and employee engagement initiatives that support the firm's proprietary trading teams in the region. By managing regional talent pipelines and organizational development, the Chief People Officer (APAC) ensures that the firm attracts the specialized skills required to maintain a competitive edge in APAC financial markets. This leadership role involves aligning regional people strategies with the firm's global culture and performance standards. Natalie Nicholson drives the implementation of local talent programs that foster innovation and professional growth. Through the oversight of regional HR operations, the Chief People Officer (APAC) supports the firm's mission of providing liquidity and competitive pricing. Ultimately, Nicholson secures the human capital necessary for the firm's continued expansion and operational success in the APAC region.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Finance

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Optiver Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Optiver?
    Optiver is led by Michael Deaton (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Ioana Martinez (Chief Financial Officer & Head of Control Assurance Functions (APAC)) and Paul Cotter (Chief Financial Officer (Australia)).
    Who is part of Optiver’s executive team?
    The executive team of Optiver includes leaders such as Michael Deaton (Chief Financial Officer), Ioana Martinez (Chief Financial Officer & Head of Control Assurance Functions (APAC)), Paul Cotter (Chief Financial Officer (Australia)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Optiver have?
    Optiver has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Optiver’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Optiver includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Head of Control Assurance Functions (APAC), Chief Financial Officer (Australia), Chief Financial Officer (Australia), Chief Operating Officer & Executive Director Head of Compliance.