Lazard Bolsters Energy Dealmaking with Veteran Hire

Lazard, a leading global financial advisory and asset management firm, has strengthened its energy dealmaking capabilities with the appointment of Chris Miller as a Managing Director within its Power, Energy & Infrastructure Advisory business. Miller, who is based in Houston, will focus on advising clients in the Oil & Gas sector within the Energy industry. This strategic hire aligns with Lazard's long-term growth strategy and positions the firm to capitalize on the growing demand for energy transition investments and the ongoing consolidation among oil and gas producers.

Miller brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record in energy investment banking, having spent over 30 years in the industry, primarily at Citigroup. As the vice chairman of energy investment banking at Citigroup, Miller advised energy companies on notable deals, including APA Corp's $4.5 billion acquisition of Callon Petroleum. Prior to Citigroup, Miller worked at Lehman Brothers and held positions at First Interstate Bank and H.D. Vest Investment Services. Miller's extensive experience and deep relationships within the energy sector will be invaluable in driving Lazard's dealmaking efforts in the energy industry.

George Bilicic, Global Head of Power, Energy & Infrastructure at Lazard, emphasized Miller's expertise and strategic insights, noting that his relationships and experience will be crucial in helping clients navigate the complexities of the evolving energy landscape. Miller's hire comes at a time when Lazard is merging its Power, Energy & Infrastructure Advisory practice with the Oil & Gas Advisory team and Lazard's Climate Center, creating one of the largest independent advisory practices supporting Power, Energy Transition, Infrastructure, and Oil and Gas clients.

Lazard's push to boost its energy dealmaking ranks follows a record-breaking run of mergers and acquisitions in the U.S. energy industry, driven by consolidation among oil and gas producers. The firm's recent third-quarter earnings report highlighted its commitment to expanding its financial advisory unit, with the addition of 16 managing directors and a 39% increase in revenue from the financial advisory unit during the quarter compared to the same period a year ago.

As the energy sector continues to evolve and adapt to the energy transition, Lazard's strategic moves position it to capitalize on the growing demand for renewable energy and energy transition investments while continuing to support traditional energy clients. The firm's expanded expertise and resources may enable it to outperform peers in the coming years, as the energy sector continues to shift and adapt to new market dynamics.

In conclusion, Lazard's hiring of Chris Miller from Citigroup signals a strategic push to strengthen its energy investment banking capabilities. Miller's extensive experience in advising energy companies on significant deals, such as APA Corp's acquisition of Callon Petroleum, will be invaluable in navigating the evolving energy landscape. As the energy sector continues to experience significant disruption, Lazard's expanded expertise and resources may enable it to outperform peers in the coming years.