Businessman adventurer Simon Murray, best known for his role as Li Ka-shing's right-hand man at Hutchison Whampoa in the 1980s and 1990s, is joining Australian investment bank Macquarie as chairman of its Asian corporate finance arm.
Brokers said the move indicated Macquarie's expansion would become more aggressive because Mr Murray, who takes up the job next month, was known for his skills in cutting deals, bargaining over acquisitions and building up new business from zero.
Andrew Low, Macquarie's head of corporate finance for Asia, said: 'Simon's 35 years of experience in the region have included everything from advising, investing and raising capital, to managing leading businesses in sectors of particular strength for Macquarie. He will bring a wealth of experience and relationships to Macquarie as we step up to our next phase of growth in the region.'
Mr Murray said: 'I have been extremely impressed with the strong growth of Macquarie in Asia and the unique business model it has brought to the region.
'I look forward to working with Andrew and his team in expanding their business in this next stage of growth and to helping to develop new ways to service their many clients and investors in the region.'
Mr Murray, a Briton, served in the French Foreign Legion before arriving in Hong Kong in 1966. He spent 14 years at Jardine Matheson before setting up Devanham Investments, acting for clients interested in infrastructure deals.