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BNP Paribas announces senior appointments to reinforce growth in leveraged finance and high yield businesses

Published On 30.09.2004
BNP Paribas is pleased to announce the appointments of Michael Johnson as Co-Head of Leveraged Finance UK, and Youssef Khlat as Head of the High Yield Capital Markets business in Europe.

Michael joined the Leveraged Finance Group in London on 8th September and will report to Jean Bergeret, Head of Leveraged Finance Europe.

Michael brings extensive experience to the role, most recently from Commerzbank Securities where he was responsible since 2002 for developing the Financial Sponsor coverage business. Prior to that he was Transaction Director for Nomura Principal Finance Group from 2000 to 2001. From 1996 to 2000 Michael was Head of European Leveraged Finance at DLJ in London and previously Head of High Yield Finance at CSFB based in New York. His appointment reflects BNP Paribas' strong commitment to its Leveraged Finance business, with continued investment to come both in Europe and New York.

Youssef Khlat joined the High Yield Capital Markets group on 20th September, and he will report to John Ong, Global Head of High Yield Capital Markets and locally to Paul Hearn, Global Head of Primary Markets.

Youssef joins from Deutsche Bank where he was most recently Co-Head of European Leveraged Debt Origination, and previous to that Head of European High Yield Capital Markets at Deutsche Bank/Bankers Trust from 1997 to 2000. His appointment to the team reinforces BNP Paribas' strong position in the growing European High Yield market, and reflects the investment in the primary and secondary High Yield platforms both in New York and in London that have given rise to an increasing flow of new issue business.

Commenting on the appointments, Philippe Blavier, Global Head of Corporate and Investment Banking, said “These two hires demonstrate BNP Paribas' commitment to investing in the leveraged finance and high yield businesses, and follows the appointment of two Managing Directors, Adam Glucksman and Geoff Manna, announced recently in New York. This is part of our long-term general growth strategy within the Corporate and Investment Bank, and in particular the targeted expansion within these business areas.”