NEW YORK, June 4 (Reuters) - Jefferies has hired

a veteran Lazard ( LAZ ) banker as global head of the firm's activism

defense practice, people familiar with the situation said on

Wednesday, as more corporations face pressure from activist

investors.

The New York-headquartered bank is bringing on Richard

Thomas, a managing director who has served as co-head of

Lazard's ( LAZ ) Equity Advisory practice, the people said.

Thomas will replace Chris Young, who had been the head of

activism at Jefferies and is leaving the bank.