Verena Ross took up the role of Chair of ESMA on 1 November 2021. Her term of office will run for a five-year period and may be extended once.

Ms Ross holds a degree in Chinese studies and economics and a Master’s degree in economics.

Before applying for the position of ESMA’s chairperson, she worked as its executive director for ten years. Prior to this, Ms Ross held several senior posts in the UK's Financial Services Authority.