Founding CEO Tilahun Esmael Steps Down as Yodit Kassa Takes Helm at ESX

By Staff Writer 

(NAIROBI, Kenya) — The Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) has announced a major leadership transition following the resignation of its founding Chief Executive Officer, Tilahun Esmael Kassahun (PhD). The Exchange’s Board of Directors appointed Yodit Kassa as the new Chief Executive Officer, marking the first executive transition for Ethiopia’s pioneer capital market platform.

In an official statement released on August 7, 2026, ESX confirmed that Dr. Tilahun departed after guiding the institution from its initial project design phase through its establishment as an operational national exchange.

During his four-and-a-half-year tenure, Dr. Tilahun oversaw ESX’s core institutional setup, regulatory governance frameworks, technology infrastructure, and initial capital raising campaigns. He was instrumental in establishing collaborative partnerships between the exchange, government regulatory bodies, institutional investors, and international development organizations.

Reflecting on his departure via social media, Dr. Tilahun described his leadership role at ESX as the most rewarding part of his professional career, noting that the exchange evolved from an ambitious blueprint into “a credible and innovative organization.” He expressed gratitude to government officials, market regulators, shareholders, development partners, and staff while voicing full confidence in his successor.

“I have every confidence that she will lead ESX to greater heights,” Dr. Tilahun wrote.

The Board of Directors emphasized that appointing Yodit Kassa brings operational continuity to ESX as it enters its next developmental phase. Having been involved with the exchange since its initial project stage, Yodit previously served as Chief Business Officer and later as Chief Operating Officer (COO), helping lead operations, market growth, and strategic planning.

In her new role as Chief Executive, Yodit will oversee key priorities including:

• Expanding Listed Companies: Increasing the number of companies listing their shares on the exchange.
• Investor Mobilization: Encouraging greater domestic and international investor participation.
• Product Diversification: Introducing new investment options, financial products, and market segments.
• Infrastructure Strengthening: Upgrading market technology, trading platforms, and overall capital market infrastructure.

Licensed by the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA), ESX operates as Ethiopia’s first organized securities exchange and serves as the country’s central marketplace for equities, fixed-income securities, and money market instruments.

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