CSFB appoints China chairman

Credit Suisse First Boston has continued to bolster its China operations by promoting Wei Christianson to the country's top job in Beijing. Effective immediately, Christianson is now chairman for CSFB, China. In the newly created role, she now will report directly to Paul Calello, chairman and CEO for CSFB Asia-Pacific.

As chairman of CSFB's mainland operations, Christianson will oversee and assist in the development of all of its China businesses.

Previously, Christianson was country manager for China, after joining CSFB in 2002. In this position, she reported to the head of investment banking for non-Japan Asia, Eric Varvel.

An old China hand, Christianson jumped to CSFB from Morgan Stanley and has been dealing with Chinese companies and related issues since 1993. Her China-related expertise extends to the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong where she was heavily involved in developing regulatory framework of Chinese securities. She also practiced law in New York with Orrick, Herrington and Sutcliffe.

"China has become one of our most successful markets in the region," comments Calello. "These new responsibilities build on Christianson's proven leadership track record as country manager, and will ensure CSFB fully leverages its strengths across all of our products - which is the key to our success in China."

Christianson's promotion follows CSFB's active restructuring stance across its China operations. In 2004, CSFB has heightened its China research team with four key hires, including the senior appointment of Vincent Chan as head of China research.