Amsterdam, Brussels, Lisbon 6 March 2015 - Euronext, the leading exchange in the Eurozone, today celebrates International Women's Day by hosting events across its markets to highlight women's contributions to decision-making, performance, sustainability, service and long-term profits of corporations.

The 2015 celebrations at Euronext illustrate the theme "Make it Happen", encouraging effective action for advancing and recognising women in the finance industry.

Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, trading was opened by Maëlys Castella, CFO of AkzoNobel.

Maëlys Castella sounded the gong together with language institute Regina Coeli who have worked together with AkzoNobel for many years. "As a global company, we value and embrace diversity in all forms as a way of enhancing our activities," said Maëlys. "Working with different nationalities and cultures is particularly relevant for AkzoNobel, which is why our partnership with Regina Coeli is so important."

Maëlys Castella, a French citizen, became AkzoNobel's first female CFO when she was appointed in September.

Anne Louise Metz, Head of Listing for the Netherlands at Euronext said: "It's wonderful to have Maëlys Castella, CFO of AkzoNobel, opening our markets today. Her presence highlights the increasing diversity of board and senior management among Dutch corporations. We applaud the efforts of the Dutch business community to transform their boards and senior management in this manner."

Brussels

In Brussels, trading was opened by EU Commissioner Marianne Thyssen, in charge of Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility.

Marianne Thyssen visited Euronext Brussels for the opening of trading to mark her support for the numerous initiatives that incentivise the development of women in the European labour market and the finance industry in particular.

Marianne Thyssen, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility, stated: "Promoting the participation of women on the labour market and ensuring a higher presence of women in the board of directors of large listed companies is not only acting for more equality and justice between genders, it is an economic necessity to strengthen our competitiveness and revitalise our growth."

Leen Van Wambeke, Business Development Manager Financial Derivatives of Euronext Brussels, said: "Euronext has celebrated this very special day for many years. It is our way of highlighting the efforts made by many people and organisations to unlock the value and contribution of women in our society. Recognition of the value and contribution of every individual, man or woman, is what should drive us. At Euronext, we believe that gender diversity makes us stronger and enables us to make the right decisions in order to play our role in financing the economy."

Lisbon

In Lisbon, the bell was rang by Teresa Morais, Secretary of State of Parliamentary Affairs and Equality, during a conference organized by Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality.

Euronext

In honour of International Women's Day on 8 March, Euronext brought together business leaders, government officials, industry influencers, clients and partners in several events to discuss key issues impacting its global markets. In Amsterdam, Brussels, Lisbon and Paris trading was opened by women leaders and executives representing various organizations. Additionally, conferences and discussion sessions covered several topics, including the challenges of women's career development and leadership in the finance industry.

For more information about Euronext's International Women's Day 2015, please go to:

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