Lazard Appoints David Krap as New Managing Director and Co-Head of European Division for Consumer, Retail and Leisure

Lazard Welcomes David Krap to Leadership in Europe

Lazard, a global leader in financial advisory and asset management, recently made a significant addition to its leadership team by appointing David Krap as Managing Director and Co-Head of the European Consumer, Retail & Leisure sectors. With an impressive career spanning over two decades, Krap brings a wealth of experience in consumer-focused mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisory, especially in the areas of food and beverage, home and personal care, and select consumer health segments.

Before joining Lazard, Krap was a Managing Director and Co-Head of Consumer Retail for EMEA at J.P. Morgan. His distinguished career includes key positions at renowned firms such as Credit Suisse, Centerview Partners, and UBS, demonstrating his deep knowledge of the consumer landscape. His academic credentials include an honors degree from the European Business School London, coupled with fluency in both German and Spanish, enhancing his capability to navigate diverse markets.

Based in London, Krap’s role will position him at the forefront of Lazard's financial advisory practice for Europe, collaborating closely with Jean-Louis Girodolle and Cyrus Kapadia, the Co-Heads of European Investment Banking. This strategic hire is a part of Lazard’s broader initiative to strengthen its advisory services and bolster its leadership team in alignment with its Lazard 2030 strategy, which aims to expand its Managing Director ranks.

In a statement, Jean-Louis Girodolle expressed excitement about Krap's appointment, stating, “David is a highly regarded advisor with an exceptional track record of helping boards and management teams navigate complex strategic inflection points and transformative transactions. We are delighted to welcome him to Lazard.” On the other hand, Cyrus Kapadia commented on Krap's extensive sector expertise and longstanding relationships, emphasizing how they would further enhance Lazard’s capabilities and strengthen its position in the European market.

Upon joining Lazard, David Krap remarked, “I have long admired Lazard's advisory-led, partnership-oriented model and the strength of its presence and connectivity across Europe and North America. I’m a firm believer in the ambitions of the Lazard 2030 strategy and the growth the firm is aiming for. I look forward to joining Lazard's talented team and contributing to shaping and scaling its global consumer franchise.”

Founded in 1848, Lazard has established itself as a preeminent financial advisory and asset management firm with a presence in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. The company provides solutions in various areas, including mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, restructuring, and liability management, while also offering asset management and investment solutions tailored to a diverse clientele, including institutions, corporations, governments, and high-net-worth individuals.

As Lazard continues to invest in its talent and capabilities, the addition of David Krap signals a robust strategy for addressing the evolving needs of the consumer sector and enhancing service delivery to clients across Europe. Given his background and expertise, Krap’s leadership is anticipated to drive growth and innovation within Lazard's European franchise, reinforcing its commitment to providing top-notch advisory services.

For more information about Lazard and its offerings, visit Lazard.com.