BNP Paribas has made a number of appointments in its credit businesses in the Americas, according to an internal memo obtained by BondWeek. The appointments are part of a global reorganization the firm announced earlier this month integrating its derivatives, high-yield, high-grade and emerging markets businesses. David Fergione, who ran the high-grade business, has left the firm, according to a senior firm official. Fergione's departure was not mentioned in the memo and he did not return a call to his residence. However, Fergione has signed up for a free subscription to Bloomberg with the tag line: "Jerry Springer is really quality T.V. Go Birds!," according to one market observer, who added, "He may be on the payroll, but it sure sounds like he's spending his days at home to me."
As part of the appointments, Mark Alexandridis has been named the head of credit trading for the Americas. He reports to Farid Amellal, London-based head of global credit trading. Alexandridis was formerly managing director, debt capital markets and derivatives marketing. Christophe Gouelo will run flow credit trading for the Americas, reporting to Alexandridis and Amellal. Kip Testwuide becomes head of an integrated credit marketing group for the Americas, which combines high-yield, high-grade and credit derivatives sales. Alexandridis and Testwuide did not return calls, and Gouelo, who is joining from the London office, could not be reached. Mark Wisniewski, a firm spokesman, confirmed the information on the memo, but declined further comment.