White & Case’s longstanding London head Oliver Brettle has stood down from his position after a decade in charge.
Employment partner Brettle was appointed as London executive partner in 2008 and will be replaced by US-qualified securities lawyer Melissa Butler.
Butler worked at the now-dissolved US firm Thacher Proffitt & Wood from 2001 to 2006 before moving to White & Case, where she made partner in 2012.
The role-change means Brettle will be able to focus on delivering the firm’s 2020 strategy, a decision taken by White & Case chairman Hugh Verrier.
Verrier said: “I have asked Oliver Brettle in his ongoing role on the executive committee to focus on delivering our 2020 strategy, including global initiatives that support its execution and strengthen the firm’s competitive position vis-à-vis the magic circle.
“To allow him to dedicate the time needed to drive these important activities, Oliver has stepped down as London office executive partner after nearly ten years in the role, during which time our London office has become an acknowledged market leader. I am proud of our success in London.”
Brettle remains on the firm’s four-person executive committee alongside Verrier, New York partner David Koschik and São Paulo partner Don Baker.
Verrier kickstarted White & Case’s 2020 strategy in 2015, focusing on growth particularly in the US and London. The firm is looking at four key industries – financial institutions, private equity, technology, and oil and gas. Alongside this, White & Case is also aiming to boost three practice areas – M&A, capital markets and disputes.
Recent growth in London has reflected developments in the firm’s 2020 strategy, with hires including Ropes & Gray finance partner Chris McGarry, while Linklaters senior associate Daniel Turgel also joined at the start of the year to take advantage of the Israeli corporate market. Other new joiners in 2018 include Ashurst corporate partner Dominic Ross and Weil Gotshal & Manges litigation partner Hannah Field-Lowes.
London revenue in 2017 jumped by 13 per cent over 2017 to $328m (£236.8m), in line with the firm’s double-digit growth globally. White & Case turnover worldwide was up nearly 11 per cent from $1.6bn to $1.8bn, while average profit per equity partner also saw double-digit growth of 10 per cent from $2.05m to $2.26m.
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