The woman who helped orchestrate the merger of Nasdaq and Nordic exchange operator OMX, is leaving the transatlantic group just as it faces the prospect of increased competition in its industry following a week of frenzied merger activity.

Adena Friedman, the chief financial officer at Nasdaq OMX, will join the Carlyle Group on March 28, according to statement released yesterday from the private equity firm. She will become the group's finance chief, managing director and member of the operating committee.