Mr Livingstone, the former HSBC European head of investment banking, takes over from Susan Kilsby who moves on to become Credit Suisse's chairman of M&A. Ms Kilsby had been the head of European M&A at the Zurich-based bank since 2002.
Mr Livingstone will be based in London and will report to the global co-head of investment banking and global head of M&A Marc Granetz and Marco Mazzucchelli, European head of investment banking.
Mr Granetz said: "We are very pleased to welcome David to Credit Suisse. He brings significant experience and client relationships in Europe and Asia, as well as in-depth knowledge of originating and executing complex cross-border transactions.
"Susan has done an outstanding job leading the European M&A franchise and we are pleased that our clients and bankers will continue to benefit from her experience."
As chairman of European M&A, Ms Kilsby will deliver global strategic M&A advice.
