Citigroup FIG head joins Credit Suisse as EMEA VC

Published: May 19, 2009

Christopher Williams, a senior Citigroup investment banker, active on a number of high-profile bank takeovers and government bail-outs, is leaving the bank to join Credit Suisse.

Williams will become vice-chairman of Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) investment banking at Credit Suisse, an internal Credit Suisse memo said. He had been global co-head of Citi's financial institutions group (FIG).

It is the latest in a series of high-profile moves among investment bankers following financial market turmoil of the past two years.

During 22 years in investment banking he has advised governments and banks on a number of prominent deals, including Royal Bank of Scotland's takeover of NatWest, HVB's merger with UniCredit, the bid by Barclays for ABN Amro and the options for British lender Northern Rock.

He most recently advised the British Treasury on its asset protection scheme, where he worked alongside Credit Suisse bankers who were also advising the government.