Kate Barton takes the reins from Elliott Portnoy on 10 November
Former EY global vice chair Kate Barton has been announced as Dentons’ new global CEO.
On 10 November, Barton will take the reins from founding global CEO Elliott Portnoy, who steps down on 9 November after more than a decade in the role. Barton had been with EY for 35 years before making the jump.
“Kate has extensive experience in leading a complex and global professional service organization and has an outstanding skillset in managing people, processes and systems. Her successful client service experience, coupled with her thoughtful approach to integration, make her the ideal individual to lead our firm”, Portnoy said. “I am confident she will lead Dentons from strength to even greater strength and success”.
Aside from serving as global vice chair at EY, Barton was CEO of Tax, Law, and People Advisory Services. Throughout a 35-year tenure with the firm, she headed up several business units and played a role in transforming EY’s global tax practice, Dentons said.
“I have watched Dentons redefine the legal services landscape with its pioneering business strategy and client offerings. Under Elliott’s leadership, this firm has differentiated itself with its polycentric approach and integrated cross-border and multidisciplinary client engagements, proving that uniting and operating as one firm is far more impactful”, Barton said. “I am looking forward to working with Elliott on a transition and to collaborating with Dentons’ accomplished regional leadership to continue challenging industry norms and adapting to the ever-changing world of technology and innovation faced by law firms and professional service firms around the world in order to deliver excellence for the benefit of our people and our clients”.
Dentons confirmed that Barton would commence with the firm in early September to start the handover process.
“Both Dentons and the broader legal profession have benefited enormously from Elliott’s visionary leadership and accomplishments. We thank him for his service and for positioning Dentons to continue thriving in today’s dynamic environment”, said Nicholas Howon Park, Non-executive chair of the global board – Dentons. “Kate has shown the highest commitment to our purpose – redefining what is possible and shaping the future – and I speak on behalf of our leadership in welcoming her into our organization”.
Barton was appointed by Dentons’ global board of directors and global advisory committee, which consists of the regional and local boards. The appointment process was spearheaded by global board talent and governance committee chair Gerald Singham. Both internal and external candidates across the globe were considered in the selection.
