Wang crosses from Lehman to ABN

ABN Amro has recruited JP Wang to head corporate finance for Greater China. He will assume the newly-created position immediately and report directly to James Pearson, head of corporate finance, Asia.

The Dutch bank has poached Wang from Lehman Brothers, where he had a three-year stint as head of corporate finance for China. Before working at Lehman, Wang was CEO of GMAI-Asia.com. He has also worked for Merrill Lynch.

As managing director, head of corporate finance for Greater China, Wang will be responsible for originating and executing investment banking transactions, working closely with the bank's coverage and product teams.

ABN AMRO says it views the hire as a big step in the enhancement and upgrading of its investment banking capabilities in China. "By bringing Wang into a senior position on the team, we add significant depth to our resources," Pearson states. "He allows us to focus on a broader range of investment banking business opportunities in China."

Over the next few months, ABN expects to further bolster its China-focused investment banking department with several key hires. "We want to build greater critical mass in investment banking in China," Pearson asserts. "ABN AMRO recognizes this and is committed to investing in the right resources to succeed in this market."

The sustained success of ECM, M&A products and services in China has become a key priority for the Hong Kong-based investment banking arm. In 2004, ABN has completed a number of key transactions in China, most notably last week's brokering of the Alcatel and TCL joint venture.