Peter Orszag is a distinguished American business executive and former government official, currently serving as the chief executive officer (CEO) and chairman of Lazard, a role he assumed on October 1, 2023. His journey at Lazard began in May 2016 when he joined as Vice Chairman of Investment Banking. Over the years, he advanced to become CEO of Lazard’s Financial Advisory in April 2019, where he significantly enhanced the firm’s advisory capabilities for corporations and governments, including the establishment of Lazard Geopolitical Advisory in 2022.

Before his tenure at Lazard, Orszag held prominent positions at Citigroup, where he was Vice Chairman of Corporate and Investment Banking and Chairman of the Financial Strategy and Solutions Group. His expertise in economic policy was further honed during his time as the 37th Director of the Office of Management and Budget under President Barack Obama, where he played a crucial role in addressing the nation’s fiscal challenges and healthcare expenditures.

Orszag’s academic credentials are impressive, with a summa cum laude degree in economics from Princeton University and a Ph.D. from the London School of Economics. His early career included significant contributions as a lecturer at UC Berkeley and as a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, where he co-founded The Hamilton Project, focusing on economic policy solutions.

As CEO of Lazard, Orszag aims to double the firm’s revenue by 2030 and expand its managing directors. His strategic vision includes potential acquisitions in private credit, infrastructure, and real estate, positioning Lazard for continued growth and innovation in the financial sector.