Emmanuel Roman, chief operating officer of Man Group and the former co-CEO of GLG Partners, has been appointed an executive director of the hedge fund giant. The appointment coincides with Matthew Lester, chief financial officer of the Royal Mail, being named a non-executive director of Man.

Roman joined Man as COO in October 2010 following the completion of the acquisition of GLG Partners. In this group-wide position, he has played a leading role in the integration of GLG and is responsible for product development and operations at the combined business. 

“Manny’s appointment brings us a wealth of trading, operational and business management experience as well as providing a key link between sales, investment management and operations across the Group,” said Jon Aisbitt, chairman of Man. “Matthew brings to Man substantial relevant experience both from within and outside our sector which will further strengthen the board’s financial management and regulatory expertise.”

Roman joined GLG in 2005, taking primary responsibility for expanding the business, marketing, risk management, operations, technology and compliance. This followed 18 years with Goldman Sachs where he operated in a variety of roles and was elected to partnership in 1998. Prior to joining the Royal Mail in 2010, Lester was group finance director of ICAP and before that held a range of senior finance roles a Diageo.  

"Manny has played a key role in the integration of Man and GLG and will continue to focus on the exciting opportunities ahead for the combined business,” said Peter Clarke, chief executive of Man. “I am delighted that Manny is joining the Man board in his role as COO.”