Rothschild & Co, a leading global financial advisory firm, announced the appointment of Alex Cartel as Managing Director and Head of Global Advisory for Australia. This significant hire is a testament to Rothschild & Co’s commitment to bolstering its Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and strategic advisory practices in the Australian market.

Alex Cartel is recognized as one of Australia’s most experienced and respected M&A and strategic advisors, with a career spanning over 25 years. Throughout his illustrious career, Cartel has been instrumental in advising some of Australia’s largest corporations on their most critical and complex transactions. 

Notably, he played a pivotal role in BHP’s successful AUD 9.6 billion acquisition of Oz Minerals and Santos’ AUD 22 billion merger with Oil Search, two of the most significant transactions in recent Australian corporate history.

In his new role at Rothschild & Co, Cartel will bring his extensive expertise to further strengthen the firm’s public M&A and strategic advisory capabilities. He will work closely with Rothschild & Co’s team of Managing Directors, driving the firm’s strategic ambitions in Australia and ensuring that it continues to provide top-tier advisory services to its clients. Cartel will report directly to Marshall Baillieu, Partner and CEO of Rothschild & Co. Australia.

Marshall Baillieu expressed his enthusiasm for Cartel’s appointment, stating, “Alex is a highly respected strategic adviser, and his appointment reflects our commitment to providing our clients with the highest calibre advice. His experience and expertise will bolster our continued growth in Australia.”

Cartel’s extensive experience in the financial sector is complemented by his leadership roles at major financial institutions. He joins Rothschild & Co from Citi, where he held several senior leadership positions, including Managing Director and Head of Banking, Capital Markets, and Advisory. Prior to his tenure at Citi, Cartel served as Managing Director and Head of Investment Banking Coverage at Deutsche Bank Australia, where he was responsible for overseeing the bank’s investment banking activities across the region.

In addition to his corporate roles, Cartel has also been actively involved in regulatory and governance matters. He is currently serving as the President of the Australia Takeovers Panel, a position he has held since 2019. The Takeovers Panel plays a crucial role in the regulation of corporate control transactions in Australia, and Cartel’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping its decisions during his tenure.

The appointment of Alex Cartel marks a significant step forward for Rothschild & Co as it continues to expand its presence and influence in the Australian market. With Cartel’s leadership, the firm is well-positioned to strengthen its M&A and strategic advisory offerings, providing clients with unparalleled expertise and insights into their most critical business decisions.

As Rothschild & Co continues to grow and evolve, the addition of a seasoned professional like Alex Cartel underscores the firm’s dedication to maintaining its reputation as a leading global advisory firm, committed to delivering exceptional results for its clients.