Citi named Muir Paterson to the firm’s Corporate and Investment Banking division as global head of Strategic Shareholder Advisory in its M&A Group.

In this newly created role, Paterson will oversee and enhance Citi’s activist defense practice globally, as well as provide advice to clients on issues related to corporate governance, board advisory, M&A and capital allocation.

Paterson brings more than 20 years of global M&A, investment banking and shareholder experience to Citi. He joins Citi from The Goldman Sachs Group, where he most recently served as COO of its M&A Shareholder Advisory group and played a key role in developing and leading its activist defense franchise. Prior to Goldman Sachs, Paterson was the director of Corporate Governance for Wellington Management Company, as well as the co-founder of the Special Situations Group at Institutional Shareholder Services, where he was responsible for providing research on contested M&A and proxy situations.

“Our clients are experiencing increased, highly sophisticated shareholder scrutiny in all aspects of their business. They need advice on how to evolve, communicate and successfully execute their strategy in this dynamic environment,” said Raymond J. McGuire, global head of Corporate and Investment Banking at Citi. “We are delighted to have someone with Muir’s experience and judgment join Citi to lead and grow this important business globally.”

“Muir has an extensive track record of M&A transactions and activism advisory roles, and his unique background and experience will provide Citi with an even stronger team to help our clients succeed,” Citi’s Co-Heads of Global M&A Mark Shafir and Peter Tague said. “Helping clients understand their potential vulnerabilities, be proactive in their engagement with investors and anticipate shareholder reaction is essential to navigating today’s landscape.”