The Green Impact Exchange (GIX), a newly approved U.S. stock market dedicated to sustainability-driven companies, has announced the appointment of five new board members to both its parent company and the exchange itself.
Among the high-profile appointees is Oscar N. Onyema, Nigeria’s prominent capital markets expert and former CEO of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). He joins the board alongside Kirk Kellogg, who will represent the exchange’s parent company, and three independent directors: General William (Bill) Bender (Ret.), James Andrus, and Maria Mahl.
The appointments, according to Dan Labovitz, Chairman and CEO of GIX, “represent a meaningful expansion of our board leadership and reinforce our mission to build a trusted, globally relevant exchange.”
GIX emphasized that the new board members bring extensive expertise across cybersecurity, ESG strategy, fintech, capital markets, and corporate governance; spanning both public and private sectors.
Meet the New GIX Board Members
Oscar N. Onyema (Nigeria)
A recognized leader in capital markets reform, Onyema spearheaded the transformation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and led its demutualization and public listing under NGX Group. He has served on regional and global exchange boards and brings deep experience in exchange operations, governance, and market infrastructure reform.
General Bill Bender (U.S., Ret.)
A retired three-star U.S. Air Force General, Bender served as the Air Force’s Chief Information Officer, overseeing a $17 billion IT portfolio. He championed the “Cloud First” strategy, Agile Software Factory initiatives, and co-developed innovation programs that shaped the Defense Innovation Unit. He now serves on several private-sector boards, with a focus on cybersecurity, digital transformation, and innovation policy.
James Andrus (U.S.)
An authority in corporate governance and ESG policy, Andrus has held leadership roles at Franklin Templeton and CalPERS. He advises major U.S. regulatory bodies such as the SEC and PCAOB, and has a professional background spanning law, military service, and sustainable investment oversight.
Maria Mahl (Germany/U.K.)
A partner at ESG Book, Mahl is a sustainability-focused tech leader with experience at Arabesque, and projects involving AI, fintech, and climate data analytics. She has worked with global institutions like the United Nations, Volvo, and the Clinton Global Initiative, integrating climate strategy into financial systems.
Kirk Kellogg (U.S.)
A seasoned financial executive and founder of Kellogg Group LLC, Kellogg has held senior roles at the New York Stock Exchange and serves on various financial and nonprofit boards. His decades-long experience spans capital markets, board governance, and institutional investment leadership.
About GIX: The Green Impact Exchange
Approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on April 11, 2025, GIX is a first-of-its-kind national securities exchange that exclusively lists companies committed to environmental sustainability.
Expected to commence trading in early 2026, GIX aims to support companies that embed sustainability within their core operations, enabling them to connect with green-focused investors.
Key features of GIX include:
- Dual Listings: At launch, companies already listed on other U.S. exchanges can also list their shares on GIX.
- Green Governance Standards: To qualify, companies must meet flexible, transparent ESG criteria, including environmental disclosures and governance benchmarks.
- Primary Listings (Future Plan): GIX intends to enable primary listings as the exchange matures.
According to GIX leadership, listing on the platform will help companies gain greater visibility among ESG investors, while offering access to long-term, sustainability-aligned capital.
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