Bank of America Merrill Lynch appoints Head of EMEA Investment Banking

Bank of America Merrill Lynch today announced that Christian Meissner has been appointed as head of Investment Banking for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Meissner will report to Michael Rubinoff and Purna Saggurti, co-heads of Global Investment Banking, and drive the growth of the Investment Banking franchise across EMEA. He will sit on the Global Corporate & Investment Banking Operating Committee chaired by Tom Montag, president of Global Banking & Markets, and also the relevant regional operating committees. Based in London, Meissner will join the bank in July 2010.
"One of Bank of America Merrill Lynch's highest priorities and greatest growth opportunities is the international expansion of our Corporate & Investment Banking business," said Tom Montag, president of Global Banking & Markets. "An appointment of Christian’s calibre reaffirms our commitment to growing our Investment Banking business in EMEA".
Meissner joins from Nomura where he has been Deputy Global Head of Investment Banking, based in London, since Nomura’s acquisition of certain Lehman Brothers businesses in October 2008. He spent the previous five years at Lehman Brothers, serving most recently as co-chief executive officer for Europe and the Middle East. This followed ten years at Goldman Sachs, culminating in his role as partner and co-head of European Equity Capital Markets.
"Christian is one of the most senior and respected investment bankers in EMEA and will be an asset in helping to propel our growth in the region," said Michael Rubinoff, co-head of Global Investment Banking.
"His appointment reflects the importance of EMEA in our global strategy and achieving our goal of being the leading Corporate & Investment Bank in the world," said Purna Saggurti, co-head of Global Investment Banking.
Bank of America Merrill Lynch ranked number two in investment banking fees globally for 2009 and the first quarter of 2010¹