Bank of America Names New Co-Heads for EMEA M&A Division amid Resurgence in Deal-Making

Bank of America has appointed Geoff Iles and Lukas Poensgen as co-heads of its mergers and acquisitions (M&A) division for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), effective September 22, 2025. This leadership change follows the promotion of Eamon Brabazon to co-head of global M&A in late 2024.

Geoff Iles, who joined Bank of America in 2003, has led the bank's UK M&A division for the past seven years. He will be based in London. Lukas Poensgen, with the bank since 2010, previously oversaw M&A operations in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. He will be based in Frankfurt.

The appointments come amid a resurgence in deal-making activities within the EMEA region. According to data compiled by Bloomberg, the value of EMEA transactions has risen by 11% this year, reaching approximately $950 billion. Bank of America currently holds a 9.7% market share in the region, ranking sixth among advisers.

In October 2024, Eamon Brabazon was appointed co-head of global M&A, sharing the role with Ivan Farman. Brabazon, who joined Bank of America in 2015 from JP Morgan, previously led M&A efforts in the EMEA region. In a memo announcing Brabazon's promotion, Alex Bettamio and Thomas Sheehan, co-heads of global investment banking, stated, "Together, Eamon and Ivan will be responsible for setting the strategic direction of the platform and for ensuring that our efforts are coordinated globally."

The leadership changes reflect Bank of America's strategic focus on enhancing its M&A capabilities in the EMEA region, especially during a period of increased transaction activity. The combined experience and regional expertise of Iles and Poensgen are expected to strengthen the bank's competitive position in the market.

The EMEA region has seen a notable increase in M&A activity, with transaction values rising by 11% this year to approximately $950 billion. This growth is driven by factors such as easing interest rates, improved investor sentiment, and companies pursuing growth and diversification beyond domestic markets.

Bank of America's appointment of Geoff Iles and Lukas Poensgen as co-heads of EMEA M&A underscores the bank's commitment to strengthening its position in a rapidly evolving market. Their leadership is poised to drive the bank's growth and success in the region's dynamic M&A landscape.