Nasdaq appoints Börje Ekholm to board as Holden Spaht steps down

Nasdaq, Inc. has appointed Börje Ekholm to its Board of Directors, effective November 1, 2026. The appointment comes alongside the announcement that Holden Spaht will step down from the board at the end of the year. Ekholm will serve as a member of the Audit & Risk Committee.

Adena Friedman, Chair and CEO of Nasdaq, described Ekholm's return as bringing a combination of strategic vision and operational discipline. She noted his role in transforming Ericsson into a stronger organization and highlighted his global technology expertise as an asset to the board's strategic agenda.

Ekholm most recently served as President and CEO of Ericsson from January 2017 until September 2026. During that period, he led a company turnaround that established Ericsson as a global leader in 5G and communications technology. His current roles include Chair of the Board of Directors at Trimble Inc. He also serves as a board advisor for Mars, an Advisor to the CEO of Ericsson, and as a board member of the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce New York. Previous board assignments include Alibaba, Husqvarna, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Scania, and WM Data.

"I am honored to re-join Nasdaq's Board at such an important time during its strategic evolution," Ekholm said. He expressed confidence in Nasdaq's position in global capital markets and looked forward to advancing the company's role as an industry transformation partner.

Holden Spaht notified Nasdaq of his decision to resign effective December 31, 2026. He will conclude three years of service on the board, having joined in November 2023 following the acquisition of Adenza. During his tenure, Nasdaq completed the integration of Adenza, achieved synergy and deleveraging targets ahead of schedule, and raised its medium-term revenue outlook. The company also maintained its position as the leading U.S. listing exchange and strengthened its anti-financial crime and regulatory technology offerings.

Spaht praised the board and management team, specifically citing Friedman's leadership. He stated his confidence that Nasdaq would continue to advance its position as a technology and solutions provider to the global financial system.

Friedman thanked Spaht on behalf of the board for his contributions during a pivotal period for Nasdaq. She described his insights as invaluable in advancing the company's strategic vision and strengthening its position in the global financial system.