Goldman names Simon Lyons UK investment banking co-head

• Goldman Sachs ranks first for UK M&A in 2026 with $175 billion in deal value across 69 transactions, advising on major deals including Unilever-McCormick merger and Tate & Lyle's takeover by Ingredion
• Lyons brings extensive M&A experience, having previously served as head of UK M&A at UBS and recently advised on NatWest's acquisition of Evelyn Partners and Mitie's sale to OCS
• The hire is part of Goldman's broader European expansion, following senior appointments including David Benichou from Morgan Stanley, Carsten Woehrn from JPMorgan, and Philippe Gallone from Moelis

Goldman Sachs Appoints Simon Lyons as UK Investment Banking Co-Head

Key Appointment Details:

Goldman Sachs has named Simon Lyons as co-head of UK investment banking, joining as partner alongside Nimesh Khiroya. Lyons, previously co-head of Europe at Ardea Partners and founding partner at PJT Partners, will be based in London and is expected to start later this year.

Market Position:

Goldman Sachs currently leads UK M&A rankings in 2025 with $175 billion in deal value across 69 transactions, according to LSEG data. Notable advisory mandates include Unilever Foods' merger with McCormick, Tate & Lyle's takeover by Ingredion, and Zurich's acquisition of Beazley.

Professional Background:

Lyons brings extensive M&A experience, having previously served as head of UK M&A at UBS. His recent advisory work includes NatWest's acquisition of Evelyn Partners and UK-listed Mitie's sale to British outsourcer OCS.

Strategic Context:

This appointment is part of Goldman's broader European expansion strategy. Recent senior hires include:

• David Benichou (2026): Co-head of investment banking for France, Belgium, and Luxembourg from Morgan Stanley
• Carsten Woehrn (2024): Co-head of European M&A from JPMorgan
• Philippe Gallone (2024): Head of healthcare for EMEA from Moelis

Market Implications:

The hire signals Goldman's continued investment in European capabilities and competitive positioning in UK M&A, particularly as the bank maintains its market-leading position. The addition of experienced dealmakers suggests expectations for robust deal activity in the UK market ahead.