Macquarie Capital appoints Head of Software in Europe

• Simon Russell joins to lead corporate advisory, capital markets and principal investment services in European software and technology

Macquarie Capital, the corporate advisory, capital markets and principal investment arm of Macquarie Group (ASX: MQG; ADR: MQBKY), has announced the appointment of Simon Russell as Managing Director and Head of Software in Europe. 

Based in London, Mr. Russell joins from PwC, where he was an equity partner and led its global Technology, Media and Telecom (TMT) corporate finance advisory practice. Prior to PwC, Mr. Russell held senior positions advising on public and private markets M&A and capital raising in the TMT sector at Dresdner Kleinwort and Hawkpoint Partners. 

“Part of mobilising a truly connected world is integrating more sophisticated software into the technology products and services we increasingly rely on every day. Simon joins us at a critical time in the sector’s development, with a proven track record to help drive our growth ambitions in Europe by enhancing the pipeline of opportunities where we can advise and invest alongside our clients across the TMT sectors,” commented Rainer Langel, European Head of Macquarie Capital’s Americas, Europe and Asia Group. 

Mr. Russell’s 25 years’ experience includes advising on over 130 completed transactions. At Macquarie Capital, Mr. Russell will focus on sell-side and buy-side M&A, capital markets and principal investing in technology and software - targeting mandates on behalf of, and alongside strategic acquirers and private equity clients. 

David Dorfman, Head of TMT Group at Macquarie Capital’s Americas, Europe and Asia Group commented: “Having been at the forefront of advising and financing some of the most innovative TMT transactions throughout the US in recent years, Simon’s appointment adds further capabilities and reach to our business and for our clients in both Europe and in the Americas.” 

“Simon’s appointment will allow us to significantly increase our principal investing and activity within the software sector across Europe – an area we see great potential in.” said Larry Handen, Head of principal investing and private capital markets for the Americas, Europe and Asia. 

Mr. Russell’s appointment strengthens Macquarie Capital’s growing global and sectoral capabilities with recent appointments made across sectors and geographies, including:

• Greg Callman in Energy Technology;
• Oliver Bradley in Digital Infrastructure;
• Magnus Scaddan in Consumer and Retail;  
• Robert Bayer and Ajay Singh in Industrials;
• Fokke Eijsink in the Benelux region.