LONDON, Monday, 29 September: Mizuho EMEA today announces the appointment of Matthew Ponsonby as Head of the Corporate and Investment Bank, EMEA and President & CEO of Mizuho International plc, effective 1 October. Ponsonby will be the successor to Suneel Bakhshi, who will be taking on a global role as Deputy Group CEO, Mizuho Financial Group.
Ponsonby has over 35 years’ experience in financial services, having held both European and global leadership roles in investment banking. He joins Mizuho from BNP Paribas, where he was most recently Head of Global Banking in the UK, overseeing its corporate and investment banking activities. During his extensive career to date, Ponsonby has served in a number of senior leadership roles, including at Barclays Investment Bank and Citigroup, where he spent four years in Tokyo, as Managing Director and Head of the Advisory Group.
Ponsonby commented: "Mizuho is extremely well placed to continue to take forward its global ambitions and I am delighted to be able to help drive the continued development of our EMEA platform. As is the case globally, we have the capabilities needed, and I look forward to working with the teams to seamlessly deliver long term value to our clients.”
Maureen Erasmus, Chair of the Mizuho International Board of Directors, stated: “I am delighted to welcome Matthew to Mizuho. He brings extensive investment banking expertise, with experience in both Europe and Japan. Matthew’s comprehensive background in the advisory sector will be instrumental in advancing our growth objectives, taking advantage of our recent acquisition of Augusta & Co, and enhancing collaboration with Greenhill across the EMEA region. Alongside Hiroki Kurakagi, CEO for EMEA, their combined leadership will be essential in guiding us through the next phase of our growth.”
“I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Suneel for the huge contribution he has made during his tenure. His drive, energy, and insight have been incredibly valued, and I look forward to his continued support in his new role as Deputy Group CEO of Mizuho Financial Group.”
Hiroki Kurakagi, CEO for EMEA also commented: “I am delighted to welcome Matthew to Mizuho. He brings a wealth of experience that will be instrumental in driving our growth and unlock new opportunities with clients. I am looking forward to partnering with him to take our EMEA franchise to the next level and beyond.”
“I would also like to express my thanks and congratulate Suneel on the significant achievements during his time as President and CEO of Mizuho International, and as CIB Head for EMEA. As he takes on his new role as Deputy Group CEO, Mizuho Financial Group, he leaves a legacy of talent assets and transformation of our business in EMEA”.
Ends
About Mizuho EMEA
Mizuho EMEA provides corporates and institutions in the region with unparalleled access and expertise in Japan and Asia, and supports clients with their corporate and investment banking, and asset management needs. Headquartered in London and with a strong presence throughout the region, our client base includes leading corporations, financial institutions and state owned entities. Mizuho is deeply committed to serving client needs, enabling our people to flourish, and helping to improve society and communities where we do business.
Mizuho’s presence in EMEA is an integral part of the Japan-based Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. Mizuho Financial Group is one of the largest financial institutions in the world, offering comprehensive financial and strategic services through its subsidiaries. The group has over 900 offices and 60,000 employees worldwide in nearly 40 countries throughout the Americas, EMEA, and Asia. As of 31 March 2024, its total assets were US$2 trillion.