Financial advisory and asset management firm Lazard has made Jeff Baker a managing director in the firm's technology & services group.

Formerly a managing partner at Drake Star, Mr Baker brings experience in investment banking, IT managed services and technology advisory to Lazard. A particular focus of his has been the shift from private to public markets.

Mr Baker also previously worked at Avendus Capital, and Berkery, Noyes and Capstone, where he executed M&A with a technology focus.

Bob Frost, chief executive of private market advisory, said “Jeff brings more than 15 years of investment banking experience, advising clients on M&A and other strategic financial matters. We welcome Jeff to our team and expect that he will deliver tremendous value to clients in the technology services sector.”

This move follows the appointment of Evan L Russo as the new chief executive of Lazard’s asset management business, replacing 20 year veteran Ashish Bhutani, as announced earlier last week.