Dirk Lievens

Dirk Lievens is a senior investment banker at Goldman Sachs, currently serving as Partner and Head of the Financial Institutions Group (FIG) for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).13 With over 25 years of experience in the financial industry, Lievens has established himself as a key figure in Goldman Sachs' European operations.4

Career at Goldman Sachs

Lievens has spent most of his career at Goldman Sachs, working primarily in London.2 His expertise lies in advising financial institutions, including banks and insurers, on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and other strategic transactions.1

Recent Relocation

In a significant move, Lievens relocated from London to Paris in March 2024.12 This relocation is part of Goldman Sachs' post-Brexit restructuring and aims to bring the bank closer to its continental European clients.2 The move underscores Paris's growing importance as a financial hub in Europe, with Lievens noting that approximately 25% of Europe's financial players, in terms of market capitalization or assets under management, are based in the French capital.3

Strategic Expansion

As part of his new role in Paris, Lievens plans to significantly expand Goldman Sachs' presence in the city:

• He aims to double the headcount of his team in Paris.1
• Lievens envisions that "a quarter to a third" of Goldman's staff will be based in Paris in the medium to long term.3

This expansion is part of a broader trend among U.S. banks to bolster their presence in Paris following Brexit, with other institutions like JPMorgan, Citigroup, and Bank of America also increasing their footprint in the city.3

Dirk Lievens' move to Paris represents a strategic shift for Goldman Sachs, reflecting the changing landscape of European finance in the post-Brexit era and the growing importance of Paris as a financial center.13