Richard Whitney Steps Up at Lazard While Spyros Svoronos Takes Global Chemicals Leadership

Lazard Ltd (NYSE: LAZ) has brought on Spyros Svoronos as Managing Director and Global Head of Chemicals within its Financial Advisory division, marking a significant leadership transition at the global financial firm. The appointment became effective immediately, with Svoronos based out of the New York office.

This move triggered a strategic shift in the organization, with Richard Whitney—who has served as Global Head of Chemicals for the past decade—transitioning to Vice Chairman of Investment Banking. The restructuring reflects Lazard’s evolving approach to combining deep sector expertise with broader investment banking capabilities.

Svoronos Brings Extensive M&A Credentials

Prior to joining Lazard, Svoronos held senior roles at Credit Suisse, where he led the Global Industrials Group across the Americas since 2017 and directed the Global Chemicals practice since 2011. His career spans more than twenty years focused on mergers, acquisitions, and strategic transactions within the industrial and chemicals sectors. Before his tenure at Credit Suisse, he built expertise as a Managing Director in M&A following the firm’s 1999 acquisition of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, where his career began.

Strategic Value for Clients

According to Peter Orszag, CEO of Lazard’s Financial Advisory business, “Spyros brings proven relationships with C-suite executives and boards across the global chemicals industry, backed by decades of experience orchestrating complex transactions. He joins an advisory platform that, under Richard Whitney’s stewardship, has earned recognition for advising on transformational deals within the sector. This combination strengthens Lazard’s ability to serve clients navigating major strategic challenges.”

Richard Whitney’s elevation to Vice Chairman reflects his decade-long success building Lazard’s chemicals advisory practice into a recognized leader for advising on major industry transactions and restructuring initiatives.

About Lazard

Operating across 41 cities in 26 countries spanning North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Central and South America, Lazard is a premier financial advisory and asset management institution with heritage extending back to 1848. The firm offers comprehensive services including M&A advisory, strategic consulting, restructuring solutions, capital raising, and asset management to a global client base of corporations, institutions, and high-net-worth individuals.