Independent investment bank Lazard is to open an office in Zurich as part of the firm’s strategy to expand its global financial advisory business. It has hired former McKinsey partner Rolf Bachmann as a managing director to lead the firm’s Swiss banking business. “The Zurich office will enable us to expand our financial advisory services to the Swiss market, where Lazard already has established corporate relationships,” said Georges Ralli, chief executive of Lazard European Investment Banking. “The combination of Rolf Bachmann’s Swiss corporate advisory experience and relationships with Lazard’s network in Europe and worldwide, puts us in an excellent position to do so.” Mr Bachmann joins Lazard after 15 years with McKinsey in Zurich. A partner since 1999, he led client service teams for several key McKinsey clients, providing strategic advice to corporations related to mergers, acquisitions and divestitures. The opening of the Swiss office is the latest step in Lazard’s commitment to invest in its European financial advisory business.