KUALA LUMPUR: RHB Investment Bank Bhd (RHB IB) has appointed Harris Ishak as regional head of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), effective Jan 5, 2022.

       According to RHB IB, Harris is a seasoned banker with close to 20 years of experience in investment banking where he had taken the lead on a wide range of prominent corporate exercises within Malaysia, notably in the areas of M&A, client coverage, and advisory services.

       Prior to joining RHB IB, Harris was at CIMB Investment Bank for over 14 years and had played an instrumental role as head of M&A having spent the past seven years in setting up and growing its M&A unit.

       Harris holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Finance from Lancaster University in the United Kingdom as well as a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

       RHB IB managing director Ganesh Sabaratnam said the volume of M&A targeting companies in Southeast Asia soared to a record US$101.8bil last year and is set to become even more active going forward.

       “We expect M&A activities to be robust in 2022 with high level of activities from private equity firms and divestment or restructuring exercises.

       “On top of this, cash rich companies and companies with strong financial positions may also be looking at investment opportunities on the back of attractive valuation,” he said.

       “With this positive outlook, it is timely that Harris will be leading the augmenting and building of RHB IB’s footprint in Asean and his appointment will further strengthen our M&A advisory capabilities as the economic recovery accelerates post the Covid-19 pandemic.

       “His vast experience and in-depth knowledge in both capital markets and M&A advisory will help drive our regional platform, providing our clients with the right solutions to meet their strategic M&A initiatives both locally and regionally,” Ganesh said.