CDC Ixis Capital Markets has hired Christophe Thomas, a convertible arbitrage trader at Barclays Capital in London, in a similar position in New York. The firm made the hire because it is set to launch a fund within the next two months, according to a firm official. Thomas will join Quincy Evans, a convertible arbitrage trader who joined the firm in February from Goldman Sachs (DW, 4/3).
Thomas and Evans will lead the convertible arb trading effort, for which CDC has set aside USD250-300 million of capital. The desk will use credit derivatives, interest-rate swaps and equity options.
Thomas, who will join the firm this week, will report to William Toy, managing director and head of equity derivatives. Toy declined comment. While at Barclays, Thomas reported to David Kilgore, global head of convertible trading. Kilgore was on vacation. Thomas was on gardening leave and could not be reached for comment.
