Lazard Asset Management has named Gordon McKemie managing director and head of leveraged loans and high yield, adding a senior hire as the firm builds out its credit franchise.
Based in New York, McKemie will lead the development of a dedicated leveraged loans capability within Lazard’s fixed income platform and work closely with the U.S. high yield team to broaden the firm’s income and credit solutions for clients. He will report to Arnaud Brillois, Lazard Asset Management’s global head of fixed income.
McKemie joins Lazard with nearly 20 years of experience spanning leveraged loans, high yield, and multi-asset credit strategies. He most recently served at Blackstone Credit & Insurance as a managing director and portfolio manager in the Liquid Credit Strategies group, where he managed several public credit vehicles, helped develop multi-asset investment frameworks, and led initiatives to improve credit agreement standards through industry collaboration. Earlier in his career, he held roles in leveraged finance and credit research at Citigroup and Barclays Capital.
Lazard said the hire reflects a strategic push to expand its credit capabilities as investors seek income and diversification in markets shaped by inflation, shifting interest-rate expectations, and increasing dispersion among issuers. The firm’s fixed-income platform combines macro views with research-driven security selection across global credit markets, and the launch of a leveraged-loans capability is intended to broaden the range of solutions available to clients across regions and risk profiles.
Lazard Asset Management is a subsidiary of Lazard, Inc. and offers equity, fixed income, and alternative investment products globally. As of December 31, 2025, Lazard’s asset management businesses managed approximately $254 billion of client assets.
KEY QUOTES
“Gordon’s arrival represents an important step in expanding our credit capabilities at a time when leveraged loans and high yield present compelling opportunities for investors seeking income and diversification. True to Lazard’s DNA, we are building with intention: combining deep fundamental research, disciplined portfolio construction, and a global perspective to provide clients with a leading platform across these rapidly evolving segments of the market.”
Arnaud Brillois, Global Head Of Fixed Income, Lazard Asset Management
“I’m thrilled to join Lazard at a moment when the firm is investing in growth and strengthening its platform to better serve clients. Leveraged loans and high yield remain essential building blocks for many fixed income portfolios, and I look forward to helping expand Lazard’s offering, deepen client engagement, and deliver thoughtful credit solutions across market cycles.”
Gordon McKemie, Managing Director And Head Of Leveraged Loans And High Yield, Lazard Asset Management
