Fitch Ratings is seeking to hire at least three analysts for its structured finance group in London. Over the past few months a number of analysts have either joined investment banks or become consultants, precipitating the need for new hires, say market participants. Calls to Kim Slawek, group managing director for structured finance, were referred to Gina Lee, a spokeswoman, who could not be reached.
Lloyd Cochrane and Matt Gilmour, both of whom covered residential mortgage-backed securities, recently departed the company. Cochrane joined Lehman Brothers (BW, 8/18) and Gilmour has become a consultant (BW, 8/4). In addition, Chris Hillard, who was in charge of commercial mortgage-backed securities and whole business securitizations, has left the agency to take a position in Goldman Sachs' CMBS group in London. Fitch is also looking to hire in New York (BW, 7/21).