Goldman Sachs sharpens its Asia-Pacific M&A push
Goldman Sachs is stepping up its presence in Asia-Pacific mergers and acquisitions. The bank has named Raghav Maliah, Yoshihiko Yano, and Ed Wittig as co-heads of its Asia M&A division, a move designed to deepen deal coverage and bring steadier, senior oversight across key markets in the region.
New leadership, broader reach
Ed Wittig will join the Asia team later this year. He’s currently based in New York and serves as the global head of Industrials M&A and Aerospace and Defense. That seat has put him in the middle of large, complex transactions, experience he’s expected to carry into Asia as Goldman Sachs looks to win and execute bigger, more intricate deals.
Raghav Maliah’s role
Based in Hong Kong, Raghav Maliah is a global vice chairman of Investment Banking and leads the technology, media, and telecom group in Asia, excluding Japan. He has been central to the bank’s regional M&A work and is well placed to expand Goldman Sachs’ presence in fast-growing sectors where tech, media, and telecom continue to drive activity.
Yoshihiko Yano’s experience
Yoshihiko Yano brings deep continuity. He has been with Goldman Sachs since 1998, serves as co-head of Investment Banking, and leads M&A in Japan. His long view of the market and familiarity with local dynamics add ballast to the team’s regional coverage.
Focus on financial sponsor M&A
The appointments are aimed squarely at strengthening the financial sponsor M&A business, a core growth engine for the bank. With three senior leaders sharing coverage, Goldman Sachs is positioning itself to advise on more sponsor-led and cross-border deals—situations that demand tight coordination, sector fluency, and crisp execution.
Building muscle for cross-border deals
As capital and companies move more fluidly across borders, the center of gravity for dealmaking in Asia is shifting. The combined leadership of Maliah, Yano, and Wittig gives Goldman Sachs a clearer line of sight across markets and sectors, helping the firm navigate regulatory differences, cultural nuances, and fast-changing valuations while staying aligned with the bank’s broader goals.
This refreshed leadership structure signals a commitment to elevate existing talent while adding new perspective where it counts. With a strong bench in Hong Kong and Japan—and Wittig’s global industrials experience set to plug in—the bank is organizing around where client demand is heading. The aim is straightforward: be ready for the next wave of opportunities in a region defined by rapid growth and shifting conditions.
Outlook for Goldman Sachs’ Asia M&A
The appointments point to a clear ambition: compete harder and win more in Asia-Pacific. With seasoned leaders at the helm, Goldman Sachs is preparing to scale its M&A franchise across the region, deepen sponsor relationships, and solidify its position in markets that matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has been appointed to lead Asia M&A at Goldman Sachs?
Goldman Sachs named Raghav Maliah, Yoshihiko Yano, and Ed Wittig as co-heads of its Asia M&A division to strengthen coverage across the region.
What will each co-head focus on?
Raghav Maliah is based in Hong Kong and leads the technology, media, and telecom group in Asia (excluding Japan). Yoshihiko Yano is the co-head of Investment Banking and head of M&A in Japan. Ed Wittig brings global Industrials M&A and Aerospace and Defense experience as he transitions to the Asia team.
When will Ed Wittig join the Asia team?
He is set to join later this year, moving from his current role in New York.
Why is financial sponsor M&A a focus?
Sponsor-led deals are central to Goldman Sachs’ growth strategy in Asia. Concentrating leadership here helps the bank handle complex, cross-border transactions and meet rising demand from clients pursuing regional opportunities.
What does this mean for Goldman Sachs’ strategy in Asia-Pacific?
It marks a push to deepen deal coverage, sharpen cross-border execution, and build a more resilient franchise in fast-moving Asian markets—without changing the bank’s broader strategic direction.
