Linklaters gets new global finance head

Linklaters gets new global finance head

Paul Lewis replaces Gideon Moore as new firmwide managing partner as the firm embarks on a new leadership direction

Linklaters has got a new global finance head in Paul Lewis as its new firmwide managing partner.

Lewis, a capital markets partner took over on 16 July from Gideon Moore who opted to step down early. Moore's term was originally due to end next year. He was in the role for just over five years and will continue to serve with Linklaters as a partner.

Lewis' promotion is a part of the firm's ambitious drive to go for new leadership to continue its international growth.

Lewis has been associated with Linklaters since 1997 and was promoted as a partner in 2006.

Previously he headed the firm's finance division. Lewis was also co-head of its innovation group besides being on the firm's partnership board and its executive committee. Lewis is a capital markets lawyer specialising in derivatives and structured securities.

"Paul will be an excellent firmwide managing partner. We have enjoyed working together as colleagues and friends for over 20 years. I have great confidence in his strategic thinking, strong leadership skills and laser-sharp focus on our future success. I'm looking forward to us leading the firm together to foster ambition, creativity and excellence from our high-performing teams across the world," Aedamar Comiskey, Linklaters new senior partner and chair, said. Notably, Comiskey had taken over as the firm's first female senior partner in May this year in Linklaters almost 200-year history. Simon Branigan had replaced Comiskey last month as the firm's new global corporate head.

Lewis said: "Having been with the firm for 24 years since joining as a trainee, it is a privilege to have been chosen to work with Aedamar in leading us in the next part of our story. The firm has a simple formula – exceptionally talented, high-performing teams delivering outstanding results for clients. I look forward to Aedamar and myself helping foster the environment that enables that to happen and have a huge excitement as to what the future holds for Linklaters."