KBC GroupNV unit KBCSecurities NV appointed Bartel Puelinckx CEO, effective Sept. 1,pending approval from the Belgian central bank.

Puelinckx replaces Koen Hoffman, who reportedly left thegroup July 1 to joinBelgian asset manager Value Square.

Puelinckx, who is senior general manager of KBC GroupFinance, will also become an executive director of KBC Securities' executivecommittee.