Paul Cusenza to Retire as Nodal Exchange CEO
Longtime executive Paul Cusenza will retire on March 15, 2027, with Demetri Karousos set to succeed him as CEO.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in People
Paul Cusenza will retire as CEO of Nodal Exchange on March 15, 2027, following more than 19 years in the role. Demetri Karousos, who currently serves as the firm's President and COO, will step into the CEO position on March 16, 2027.
Why it matters
This leadership transition marks a significant shift for the commodity exchange, which was acquired by EEX Group in 2017. The appointment of Karousos ensures continuity as he maintains his existing responsibilities as CEO of Nodal Clear.
Nodal Exchange offers over 1,000 contracts for the North American commodities market. The outgoing CEO, Paul Cusenza, has led the organization for more than 19 years.
The players
Paul Cusenza
He has served as the CEO of Nodal Exchange for over 19 years and will become Chair of the Boards upon retirement.
Demetri Karousos
He currently serves as the CEO of Nodal Clear and the President and COO of Nodal Exchange.
Nodal Exchange
This organization facilitates commodity trading across North America and has been owned by EEX Group since 2017.
The details
Demetri Karousos will assume the CEO role while continuing his current duties as CEO of Nodal Clear, a role he has held since May 1, 2026. Paul Cusenza will transition to a new capacity as Chair of the Boards for both Nodal Exchange and Nodal Clear.
Timeline
January 2008: Demetri Karousos joined Nodal Exchange.
2017: EEX Group acquired Nodal Exchange.
March 1, 2022: Karousos became President and COO of Nodal Exchange.
May 1, 2026: Karousos became CEO of Nodal Clear.
March 15, 2027: Paul Cusenza retires as CEO.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition follows the organizational integration established after the 2017 EEX Group acquisition of Nodal Exchange. The move signals a strategic alignment as the firm maintains its market position in North American commodity trading.
Current Nodal Exchange clients and partners should expect consistency in operations, as the incoming CEO already holds significant leadership responsibilities within the firm. The transition is unlikely to disrupt existing contract services or ongoing commodity market operations.
The takeaway
Leadership succession plans are critical for maintaining continuity in specialized financial sectors like commodity exchanges. By elevating a long-tenured internal executive to the CEO role, the company minimizes disruption to its daily operations.
Further reading
For more information on executive leadership shifts in the region, visit the Washington People section.
