Mizuho Financial Group has brought on seasoned investment banker Richard Robinson, appointing him vice chairman and managing director within its Industrials Group, according to an internal memo reviewed by Reuters. The move underscores Mizuho’s continued push to strengthen its advisory capabilities in the industrials sector.
Robinson joins the Japanese financial group after a high-profile tenure at Deutsche Bank, where he most recently served as global vice chairman. In that role, he advised clients across the industrials, materials, and energy sectors, building a reputation as a trusted advisor on complex, large-scale transactions.
Both Mizuho and Deutsche Bank declined to comment on the appointment.
Before his time at Deutsche Bank, Robinson spent more than 20 years at Morgan Stanley, where he held several senior leadership roles. At the time of his departure, he was co-head of the basic materials group in the Americas, a position that placed him at the center of some of the industry’s most significant deals.
Mizuho logo is seen in this illustration taken January 7, 2026. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
Over the course of his career, Robinson has advised on more than $500 billion in announced mergers and acquisitions. He has also helped companies raise over $35 billion through equity and debt offerings. His experience spans hostile takeover defenses, strategic defense mandates, and shareholder activism, highlighting his depth across both advisory and capital markets work.
Robinson will be based in New York and will report to David Hunt and Doug Jackson, according to the memo. His appointment is expected to further bolster Mizuho’s industrials franchise as the bank looks to expand its footprint in North America and globally.
