Felix joined the New York office of Lazard Frères under the leadership of André Meyer in 1950. He returned to Lazard in 1952, after serving in the United States Army, and was made a partner in the firm in 1961, going on to become managing director. During his four decade career at Lazard, he brokered an array of high profile M&A deals that shaped global conglomerates and positioned him as a trusted advisor to business and government leaders around the world. As a pivotal figure in the financial world, Felix is also revered for his instrumental role in preventing New York City's bankruptcy in the 1970s through his chairmanship of the Municipal Assistance Corporation (MAC). Beyond his financial acumen, Felix also served as the United States Ambassador to France from 1997 to 2000, further solidifying his legacy in both the financial and diplomatic realms. His life's work, marked by a blend of private and public service, has left an indelible impact on Lazard and beyond.
In his remarks, Peter reflected on Felix's career and how it mirrored the very principles Lazard was founded upon, rooted in service both in the public and private sectors. He noted, "[Felix] was…a consummate dealmaker and an innovator in public finance, with a mind that was unparalleled and a keen understanding of relationships that made him indispensable in negotiations and in the resolution of complex problems. He also embodied that combination of business, government, and an intellectual side that I think defines Lazard's DNA."