The European Securities and Markets Authority (Esma) has appointed Natasha Cazenave as its new executive director. She will take up her new position on 1 June.

Cazenave ( pictured ) replaces Verena Ross, and is appointed for a five-year term, renewable once. She is currently deputy secretary general and head of the policy and international affairs directorate at the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF). Prior to joining the AMF, Cazenave was deputy head of the regulatory policy and international affairs directorate (DRAI) - she was responsible for liaising with the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (Iosco) and Financi