Citigroup has hired James Ord from Deutsche Bank to lead its UK mergers and acquisitions team, according to people familiar with the matter. Ord, a veteran investment banker, will join Citigroup as managing director and head of UK M&A, based in London.
Strategic Hire
The appointment underscores Citigroup's ambition to bolster its advisory capabilities in the UK, a key market for dealmaking. Ord brings over 20 years of experience, having advised on numerous high-profile transactions across sectors including financial services, technology, and industrials.
At Deutsche Bank, Ord served as head of UK M&A and was instrumental in building the bank's franchise. His departure is a blow to the German lender, which has been scaling back its investment banking operations.
Market Context
The hire comes amid a pickup in M&A activity in the UK, driven by private equity firms and corporate clients seeking growth opportunities. Citigroup has been expanding its European advisory team, adding senior bankers from rivals.
Ord will report to Luigi de Vecchi, chairman of EMEA M&A at Citigroup. He will work closely with the bank's sector teams to win mandates and advise clients on cross-border transactions.
Citigroup declined to comment. Deutsche Bank did not respond to requests for comment.
