The Dubai Mercantile Exchange (DME) today announced the departure of CEO Thomas Leaver after six years, with a replacement currently being sought. Leaver will depart the exchange to pursue other interests and the board of directors has appointed a committee to oversee the search for his replacement, the DME said in a statement. “After six immensely enjoyable years at the DME, I have decided that it is time to move on to new challenges. I am truly proud of our accomplishments at the DME and believe that now is the right time to hand the baton to someone who will help take the exchange to the next level. They will have a solid foundation on which to build, exciting prospects ahead and a great team with which to work,” Leaver said. “On behalf of our board of directors, shareholders, members and staff, I want to express our sincere gratitude to Tom for the significant contribution he has made to the DME’s success. He will be leaving a robust platform for future growth upon which we will continue to build,” Ahmad Sharaf, chairman of the DME, said in a statement. “During the transition period, Tom will remain in post and be assisting us in the search for his successor. We wish him all the best in the next phase of his career.”