GSR Taps Citadel Securities for New CTO
Posted by Colin Lambert. Last updated: January 20, 2022
Digital asset trading firm GSR has named John MacDonald as the firm’s new chief technology officer. He joins from Citadel Securities where he was managing director and CTO, Europe.
Alongside the executive team, MacDonald will be responsible for driving the firm’s technology strategy, working across teams to improve existing infrastructure, and continuing to create new solutions.
He held various technology leadership roles within Citadel Securities prior to his role as CTO, Europe, including global head of derivatives technology and global head of fixed income technology. Prior to Citadel Securities, he was a managing director at JP Morgan running the global electronic market making technology group. He started his career at Goldman Sachs, before joining Citadel to build out an options trading business.
GSR says MacDonald will work closely with newly appointed CEO Jakob Palmstierna, as well as Rich Rosenblum, co-founder and president. Cris Gil, co-founder, will continue to serve as executive chairman of the board to support the firm’s vision in increasing its global presence in digital asset markets.
“After 20 years developing new trading systems and technology in traditional finance, I look forward to working with my new colleagues in combining the best of traditional trading and investment solutions with the very creative and rapidly evolving digital assets space,” says MacDonald.
“As we continue to expand into new areas within the digital asset landscape, it’s critical that our systems and technology remain best-in-class to continue meeting the needs of our clients,” adds Palmstierna. “We are thrilled to welcome John to the GSR team to ensure innovation remains at the forefront of our business.”
Citing a staff headcount which rose from 60 to 200 across 10 locations, Gil says, “GSR has always prioritized being a people-first business, building strong relationships with clients, partners, and within our own company. We’ve had a remarkable year in 2021 and are looking forward to even greater success this year.”
