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Diversifying the group: Stephenson Harwood appoints a non-shipping head of finance

Stephenson Harwood has named restructuring and insolvency partner Sue Moore (pictured) as the new head of its global finance practice group as current head Mark Russell steps down after 18 years.

The appointment comes as the firm’s global finance practice has gradually diversified to include other groups such as banking and restructuring, as well as traditional groups: ship finance and leasing, rail and aviation.

Moore will oversee the finance team that includes 29 partners, of which 17 are based in the City. Last year the group contributed around 25% of the firm’s turnover with a 10% rise in international revenues. Former head Russell has led the finance practice since 1997 and will continue in his role as the head of the firm’s ship finance and leasing group. 

Moore joined the banking and restructuring group in 2012 after having been a partner in legacy SNR Dentons’ restructuring and insolvency practice for nine years. She has particular experience in high profile cross-border and domestic restructurings and corporate insolvencies, as well as contentious or non-contentious financial distress issues. Some noteworthy cases include advising on the restructuring of Monarch Airlines, the pre-packs of Thomson Directories and the RSM Tenon Group, and the restructuring of the Co-op Bank.

‘The appointment of a restructuring partner highlights the increased diversity of the finance practice over recent years. Historically, the ship finance group dominated the finance practice, but there are now a number of other significant groups, including banking, restructuring, rail and aviation,’ Moore told Legal Business. ‘I am very pleased to take on the role and lead the finance practice in its next chapter of growth and development. Over recent years, restructurings have become more complex and typically bring together teams from across finance and the wider firm.’

jaishree.kalia@legalease.co.uk