US buyout firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts has hired a Lehman Brothers managing director to launch a Middle East and North Africa office and source infrastructure deals in its second hire this week to boost diversification.

Makram Azar, who still has a Lehman Brothers e-mail address, will join as managing director and head of MENA. He will work on buyouts including infrastructure deals and on global co-investment opportunities with MENA institutions.