Zurich, London partners to succeed Anne-Marie Allgrove as Baker McKenzie’s global IP chairs

Zurich IP partner Eva-Maria Strobel and London tech partner Steve Holmes have been tapped to succeed Anne-Marie Allgrove as chair of Baker McKenzie’s global IP, tech and data practice group.

The two partners, who will working together as co-chairs, are among a group of new global chair appointments announced by the firm yesterday. Singapore banking and finance principal Emmanuel Hadjidakis will be the new chair of global financial institutions, while Antonio Russo will be succeeded by Washington DC partner James Wilson as global tax group chair.

“I am delighted to announce the new global chairs in these important areas of growth for the Firm. For example, as the global financial sector embraces new technologies and moves to a carbon neutral economy, our financial institutions practice is a leader in advising clients on the opportunities and risks that they pose”, Baker McKenzie chair Milton Cheng said. “Also, tax is a key focus area for Baker McKenzie, as rapid transformation and changing legislation continues to shape the future business landscape and tax increasingly intersects with our clients' most strategic business decisions”.

Strobel has worked with clients in developing IP strategies related to luxury goods, cosmetics, healthcare, and food and beverages. Meanwhile, Holmes has tackled significant and complex transactions involving technology, outsourcing, telecommunications, and digital.

Hadjidakis has advised financial institutions, borrowers and private equity funds in the APAC region. He has tackled matters involving general finance, acquisition finance, restructurings, structured finance, Islamic finance and property finance. He also handles and closes large and complex financings, the firm said.

Wilson has been with Baker McKenzie for over two decades, and presently chairs the firm’s global tax planning, transactions and tax policy sub-practice. He has guided clients through complex transactions and disputes.

Strobel, Holmes, Hadjidakis and Wilson will step into their new roles on 1 July.

The following global chairs will remain in their roles:

Michael DeFranco (Chicago) – transactional practice
Adam Farlow (London) – capital markets practice
Karen Guch (London) – private equity practice
Vanina Caniza (Buenos Aires) – healthcare and life sciences practice
Mark Hamer (Washington, DC) – antitrust and competition practice
Matthew Dening (London) – banking and finance practice
Michael Brewer (San Francisco) – employment and compensation practice

Allgrove, who became chair of the global IP, tech and data practice in 2020, was elected as Baker McKenzie’s Australia managing partner in a historic move last December.