First Albany Corp. has hired Mickey Spillane, a veteran high-yield trader, and David Maura, an analyst, for its New York office. The moves are part of the firm's effort to increase its high-yield focus, according to a high-yield professional with knowledge of the situation. A call to Robert Campbell, the firm's head of fixed-income, was not returned by press time last Friday.
Spillane joins from CIBC World Markets. He declined comment, as did Scott Fahey, head of the desk at CIBC. A trader friendly with Spillane says he left on good terms, and merely wanted a more relaxed, lower-profile working environment. Prior to working at CIBC, Spillane worked at Barclays Capital. The First Albany position is newly created, according to this trader.
Maura, a consumer products analyst, was let go from Merrill Lynch late last year because of similarities between a report he published and reports written by his predecessor George Chalhoub (BW, 12/8). He has also worked at Wachovia Securities. He did not respond to a voice message left for him at First Albany.