"We are delighted to have attracted Jack, an outstanding professional. His exceptional reputation and deep oil and gas industry experience will reinforce our already strong energy business," said Kenneth M. Jacobs, CEO of Lazard North America.

"This is an historic inflection point in the energy market and I am looking forward to joining Lazard," said Mr. Lentz. "Lazard is well placed to take a leading role in helping the industry to meet today's challenges. I believe that the rapid changes in the economy, pricing, demand and the long-term environment will all accelerate the pace of strategic reassessments, reorganizations and consolidation in the industry."

Mr. Lentz has served as a director of Peabody Energy Corporation for 11 years, is the non-executive Chairman of Rowan Companies and is a director of CARBO Ceramics.

Lazard's Global Power, Energy and Infrastructure group serves leading companies and governments in all segments of the Power, Energy and related Infrastructure sectors, including Upstream E&P, Oilfield Services, Midstream, Downstream, Power Generation, Regulated Gas & Electric Utilities and Alternative Energy, such as Solar and Biofuels. Lazard has most recently advised on transactions such as Exelon's offer for NRG, The U.K. Nuclear Liabilities Fund in connection with EDF's acquisition of British Energy, Eni's acquisition of a 57% interest in Distrigas, Gaz de France's merger with Suez, Sempra Energy's joint venture with The Royal Bank of Scotland, TXU's acquisition by an investor group including KKR and TPG, TransCanada's acquisition of ANR Pipeline and Storage, Duke Energy's spin-off of Spectra Energy, and the government of New South Wales' privatization of its electric generation and T&D system, among others.

About Lazard

Lazard, one of the world's preeminent financial advisory and asset management firms, operates from 39 cities across 24 countries in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Central and South America. With origins dating back to 1848, the firm provides advice on mergers and acquisitions, restructuring and capital raising, as well as asset management services to corporations, partnerships, institutions, governments, and individuals. For more information on Lazard, please visit www.lazard.com.