Advisory boutique Moelis & Co. expanded to Chicago, hiring Bear Stearns' Midwest investment banking head lead its buildup and client coverage in the region.

Ken Viellieu joined Moelis as a managing cirector and head of the Chicago office. In seven years at Bear Stearns, he advised clients in a broad range of industries, especially food and drug retailing, consumer products, industrial and transportation, financial services, healthcare, and media. Before joining Bear Stearns, he co-led Midwest investment banking at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, and worked at Drexel Burnham Lambert in Los Angeles before that.

Besides the new Chicago office, Moelis & Co., which was launched one year ago, has offices in New York, Los Angeles and Boston.