Heale new LME chief.

Some might be intimidated by taking a new position half way around the world. Simon Heale, the new chief executive of the London Metal Exchange (LME), jumped at the chance. Heale returned to the United Kingdom after 20 years of working in Hong Kong, Tokyo and California, most recently as chief

"I have spent a long time enjoying working abroad, and now I have the best of both worlds, as it is hard to think of many cities...more cosmopolitan and international than London," he says.

Heale was hired in May but didn't take over until July. He first learned more about the exchange, key players and his specific duties. He says his most challenging role will be helping "the board develop and implement the detailed strategy" that will keep the LME among the most efficient exchanges in the world. He first will see that tasks related to the recent demutualization are complete before moving on to a new focus.

"My main impression, and one of the appealing things about this job and this organization, is the speed of change and the constant challenge to remain absolutely relevant to the customers," he says. "I am also sure that for those who embrace fully the spirit of competition and creativity, there are new opportunities waiting. The prizes will go to those with the determination, imagination and drive to develop and nurture them to maturity."

Stephen Ridge is the new president and CEO of First Financial Trust. Ridge, from State Street Bank and Trust Co., replaces W. Russell Scott Jr. who is retiring.

The Options Clearing Corp. has two new board members, John Davidson III and Arthur Thomas. Davidson is a managing director for Morgan Stanley, and Thomas is the chief operating officer of Merrill Lynch's Securities Services Division.

Afsaneh Beschloss has left the World Bank to join The Carlyle Group investment bank in Washington, D.C. As a managing director and partner, she will start up and head the newly created Carlyle Asset Management Group.

Leo Tilman has been named managing director for Bear, Sterns & Co.'s Financial Analytics and Structured Transactions Group. Tilman was a director at BlackRock Inc.

Dana Woodbury, former senior vice president at Multi-Financial Securities Corp., has joined Schield Management Co. as vice president of marketing.