The South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPX) in Fiji has appointed Sheraj Obeyesekere as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective June 2024. At 34, Obeyesekere joins the ranks of the youngest CEOs in the stock exchange industry, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the role.
Obeyesekere’s professional journey spans 12 years across diverse industries. His career includes significant roles at a global banking and financial services knowledge outsourcing firm, a Big Four professional services firm, an Australian managed IT services provider, the licensed stock market operator in Sri Lanka, and most recently, the governing body for cricket in Sri Lanka. This varied background equips him with a broad understanding of corporate dynamics and strategic leadership.
His path to leadership in the capital markets began at the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) in Sri Lanka, where he started as a Senior Executive and rose to become the Head of Special Projects within the CEO’s Office. During his tenure at CSE, Obeyesekere was instrumental in numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the exchange’s operations and outreach. He worked on promoting investment in Sri Lankan equities both locally and internationally, advancing the CSE’s listing platforms, and managing branding and media relations. His efforts also extended to the digitalization of internal operations, fostering local and international partnerships, and engaging with the community through advocacy.
Obeyesekere’s work on special projects at CSE covered a range of strategic areas including market data monetization, revenue optimization, exchange governance, demutualization, ESG investing and reporting, government relations, employee experience, and women empowerment. These projects have prepared him well for his new role at SPX, where similar challenges and opportunities await.
The SPX, Fiji’s only securities exchange, operates under a license from the Reserve Bank of Fiji as per the Companies Act 2015. It plays a crucial role in facilitating capital raising in the primary market and ensures a fair and transparent platform for secondary market trading. As a private company, SPX is governed by its Board of Directors and has two wholly-owned subsidiaries: Central Share Registry Pte Limited (CSRL) and SPX Trustees Limited (SPXT).
With Obeyesekere’s appointment, the SPX anticipates a dynamic phase of growth and innovation, leveraging his extensive experience and visionary approach. His leadership is expected to drive the exchange forward, fostering a more robust and integrated capital market in Fiji.
 in Fiji has appointed Sheraj Obeyesekere as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective June 2024.){kind=link}