Manikay Partners, a $2 billion US multi-strategy hedge fund set up by an ex-UBS proprietary trader, has recruited a former motor racing driver and senior equities trader from the Swiss bank to lead its push into Europe.

New York-headquartered Manikay, which was founded in 2008 by ex-UBS trader Shane Finemore with backing from Goldman Sachs, has hired Simon Phillips as a partner and head of its nascent European business, according to a Companies House filing on Thursday and Phillips' LinkedIn profile.