Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright announced that Gerry Pecht has assumed the role of Global Chief Executive of Norton Rose Fulbright, effective October 1, 2020. Gerry succeeds Peter Martyr, who led Norton Rose and then Norton Rose Fulbright since 2002.
On assuming his role, Gerry has introduced a new global management structure and team. The team will be composed of five senior executives roles: Chief Client Officer Jane Caskey; Chief Operating Officer Rob Otty; Chief Strategic Alignment, Innovation and People Officer Wayne Spanner; Chief Information Officer and Head of Shared Services Ann-Michele Bowlin; and Chief of Marketing and Communications Laura Shumiloff. Two of the roles – Chief Client Officer and Chief Strategic Alignment, Innovation and People Officer – are new and designed to reinforce the firm's focus on delivering client service excellence and aligning its people across its global platform.
Gerry, who was elected Global Chief Executive in August, said:
"In assuming this important role, I am committed to making a positive impact for our people, our clients and our communities. I have assembled a talented, multinational executive management team to help lead our firm. This management team is diverse in its gender and geographies."
"Our new global management structure and team will ensure we have a clear focus on the most significant areas for our firm: serving our clients, supporting our people and delivering our vision. Together, we will focus on maximizing the benefits of our global platform and providing superior client service with our diverse teams who understand our clients and can deliver innovative solutions."
Gerry has been a member of the firm's Global Executive Committee since 2013 and has served as Global Head of Dispute Resolution and Litigation since 2014. Joining the Houston office in 1980 and becoming partner in 1987, Gerry built a commercial litigation practice focused on securities litigation and enforcement, energy litigation, internal corporate investigations, international litigation and arbitration.
Notes to Editors
Descriptions of the new senior executive roles:
Global Chief Client Officer: Jane Caskey is responsible for formulating and driving an aligned and integrated client-facing strategy to generate global and cross-border connectivity for clients, focusing on the firm's industry sectors, practice groups, client program and panel clients as well as its risk advisory and client intelligence offering.
Global Chief Strategic Alignment, Innovation and People Officer: Wayne Spanner is responsible for the firm's global and regional alignment, focusing on human resources, learning and development, partner incentive programs, knowledge, governance and conflicts. He also is responsible for driving social engagement, including diversity and inclusion as well as corporate social responsibility. Additionally, he will lead and coordinate innovation efforts that benefit clients in all regions. An Australian partner, Wayne will relocate to New York.
Global COO: Rob Otty focuses on coordinating the firm's financial and operational strategy, planning and performance. He leads the financial analysis and reporting of firm investment strategies, as well as procurement and vendor management and is also responsible for global information security.
Global CIO and Shared Services: Ann Michele Bowlin is responsible for the firm's global technology and shared services strategies. She focuses on the protection and enhancement of the firm's brand with modern technology and services to drive improved efficiency and quality through digital innovation and data driven insights, delivering innovative, tech-enabled new services, and new ways to deliver traditional services.
Global Chief of Marketing and Communications: Laura Shumiloff is responsible the execution of the firm's marketing and communications strategy and for leading the global marketing and communications team.
