HONG KONG — Tori Cowley, who has led communications for Hong Kong's Stock Exchange since 2018, is stepping down to return to the UK at the end of this year.

Cowley, who was group chief communications officer during a tumultuous period for Hong Kong, will continue to serve as a special advisor to the HKEx board. She joined HKEx after spending seven years as the London Stock Exchange's communications chief.

Cowley’s tenure with HKEX saw her transform the communications function to notable effect, giving the low-profile entity a more visible positioning as a key driver of Hong Kong’s flagging reputation. Her efforts were recognised with the APACD Award for In-House Communications Team of the Year in 2021.

In an internal memo, HKEx CEO Nicolas Aguzin said that Cowley had been "instrumental in the revitalisation of our brand and corporate communications." He added that the search for her successor is already underway.

Cowley, who declined to comment, said on LinkedIn that she will seek out different opportunities in the UK, including consulting, advisory and NED roles.