Former Banca IMI SpA executive Filippo Bruno joined the joint venture between U.S.-based investment bank Houlihan Lokey Inc. and Italian financial advisory firm Leonardo as a managing director in corporate finance, Reuters reported.

Bruno's role at Banca IMI, the investment banking arm of Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, was focused on clients in the telecoms, media and technology area, according to the Aug. 3 report.

Houlihan Lokey acquired the investment banking operations of Banca Leonardo SpA unit Leonardo & Co. NV in Germany, the Netherlands and Spain in 2015.