Miller Joins Lazard to Lead Energy Investment Banking

People | Dec 04, 2024 | Zawya

Miller Joins Lazard to Lead Energy Investment Banking

Lazard, a leading financial advisory and asset management firm based in New York, has appointed Chris Miller, a seasoned investment banker from Citigroup, as managing director in charge of strengthening its energy sector dealmaking. Miller, who has an extensive background in energy transactions, including advising APA Corp's significant acquisition of Callon Petroleum, will begin his tenure at Lazard in early 2025 after serving his gardening leave. Reporting to George Bilicic, head of Lazard's power, energy, and infrastructure unit, Miller's move aligns with Lazard's strategic push to enhance its capabilities amidst a thriving period for mergers and acquisitions in the energy sector, especially in high-demand shale areas. This recruitment is part of Lazard's broader efforts to fortify its advisory services highlighted by the addition of 16 managing directors, boosting financial advisory revenues by 39% year-on-year as of the third quarter of the year.

Sectors

  • Financial Services
  • Energy

Geography

  • United States – This geography is relevant because the recruitment and focus of energy M&A efforts are based in the U.S., particularly in regions like the Permian Basin.
  • New York – Lazard, the main company involved, is based in New York, which plays a significant role in the finance industry.
  • Houston – Chris Miller, the key individual in the article, is based in Houston, a significant hub for the energy sector.

Industry

  • Financial Services – This industry classification is relevant because Lazard and Citigroup operate within investment banking and financial advisory services.
  • Energy – The focus of Lazard's recruitment is on strengthening its dealmaking in the energy sector, which includes mergers and acquisitions within the energy industry.

Financials

  • $4.5 billion – Value of the acquisition of Callon Petroleum by APA Corporation, a notable deal advised by Chris Miller at Citigroup.
  • 39% – Increase in Lazard's financial advisory unit revenue year-on-year as of the third quarter.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
LazardRecruiting CompanyCompanyLazard is a financial advisory and asset management firm that is expanding its energy investment banking team.
Chris MillerManaging DirectorPersonChris Miller is a veteran investment banker recently hired by Lazard to bolster its energy sector dealmaking.
CitigroupPrevious EmployerCompanyCitigroup is a financial services corporation where Chris Miller served as vice chairman of energy investment banking.
APA CorporationClientCompanyAPA Corp was involved in a significant acquisition advised by Chris Miller at Citigroup.
Callon PetroleumTransaction TargetCompanyCallon Petroleum was the acquisition target in a major $4.5 billion deal advised by Chris Miller.
George BilicicHead of UnitPersonGeorge Bilicic is responsible for Lazard's power, energy, and infrastructure investment banking unit.