• Mesirow extends European footprint with the appointment of Omar Ghalloudi as Senior Managing Director, Head of European Trading, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to global growth and client service.

• Omar brings more than 20 years of experience in credit trading across investment-grade, high-yield, and distressed debt markets and has held leadership roles at Bank of America, Deutsche Bank, and Citi.

CHICAGO, February 20, 2025 –Mesirow, an independent, employee-owned financial services firm, is pleased to announce the appointment of Omar Ghalloudi as Senior Managing Director, Head of European Trading , Institutional Sales and Trading. This strategic hire marks a significant step in Mesirow’s expansion into European markets, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to global growth and client service.

Omar’s appointment aligns with Mesirow’s broader strategic vision for expanding its Institutional Sales and Trading team. Under the leadership of Jason Handrinos, this initiative will extend Mesirow’s reach across Europe and Asia, further strengthening its global presence. As part of this expansion, Mesirow is actively looking to hire top talent and build a best-in-class team to enhance its capabilities and serve its growing client base. With a substantial annual secondary trading volume, Mesirow Institutional Sales and Trading is recognized as one of the nation’s most active desks and is an integral line of business within Mesirow Capital Markets.

Bringing more than 20 years of experience in credit trading, Omar has deep expertise across investment-grade, high-yield, and distressed debt markets. Prior to joining Mesirow, he held senior positions at Bank of America, Deutsche Bank, and Citi, successfully managing trading desks, launching new business initiatives, and overseeing credit portfolios across Europe and emerging markets.

“Omar’s expertise and market insight will be invaluable as we continue to expand our global footprint,” said Jason Handrinos, Global Head of Fixed Income Sales and Growth, Institutional Sales & Trading. “His leadership will be invaluable in strengthening our European presence, deepening client relationships, and driving new opportunities in the region.”

As a recognized leader in sovereign and corporate credit, REITs, corporate hybrids, and covered bonds, Omar has navigated complex financial landscapes, including trading European and U.S. financials during the financial crisis and integrating trading books following the Bank of America-Merrill Lynch merger. Notably, he played a pivotal role in Greek government bond trading during the European Sovereign crisis, facilitating Greece’s return to the capital markets. Most recently, he led a team focused on distressed and illiquid assets across Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.

“I am thrilled to be joining Mesirow at such a pivotal time,” said Omar Ghalloudi. “The firm’s commitment to expanding its global trading capabilities aligns perfectly with my experience and vision for the future. I look forward to leveraging my expertise to drive growth and deliver innovative solutions for our clients.”

Omar holds an MSc in Industrial Engineering and Management from the University of Twente in the Netherlands and is fluent in English, French, Italian, and Dutch. His extensive experience and global perspective will be instrumental in expanding Mesirow’s European presence and strengthening the firm’s trading capabilities.

With this strategic move, Mesirow reaffirms its dedication to delivering innovative financial solutions, market expertise, and enhanced trading capabilities to institutional clients.

For more information, please visit mesirow.com/capital markets.