A co-founder of high-frequency trading firm Automat — which was acquired by Getco in 2011 — has resurfaced at Spire Europe as it continues a hiring drive in the region.

Martin Vu joined Spire this month along with two support staff, according to two people familiar with the situation. Alan McGroarty, Spire's chief executive, confimed the hire and told Financial News: "We are pleased to have someone with Martin's experience and abilities joining Spire."