Goldman MD Alessio Zhou leaves for LMR Partners in Dubai

Alessio Xien Zhou left Goldman Sachs weeks after his November 2025 promotion to managing director to join Dubai-based hedge fund LMR Partners as a portfolio manager based in the emirate.

Zhou spent about ten years at Goldman and most recently ran CEEMEA equity cash and derivatives trading. His promotion to managing director was announced in November 2025 and he departed roughly one month later.

People familiar with the matter confirmed Zhou left the bank before completing a gardening leave, the paid period during which departing employees are kept from active duties to protect client relationships and sensitive information.

Zhou’s appointment follows other senior hires and departures involving hedge funds in the Gulf. Macro trading managing director Daniel Dangoor joined multi-strategy fund ExodusPoint Capital in Dubai. Ediz Karahasanoglu, formerly head of EMEA equities trading at Goldman, joined LMR in 2025.

LMR has also expanded its local research staff, hiring Paris Nikolau from Verition earlier this year as a long/short equity analyst in Dubai.

Goldman Sachs declined to comment on the personnel changes.

Zhou joined Goldman around 2015 and advanced through trading roles to lead the CEEMEA equities trading desk prior to his promotion.