Freshfields has named ex-Cravath partner Damien Zoubek as its new US managing partner, with the high profile M&A partner taking over from Silicon Valley-based capital markets partner Sarah Solum, who has held the role since 2021.
The appointment, effective from today (1 June), is the latest in a series of management reshuffles. Private equity partner Hall of Famer Victoria Sigeti was appointed UK managing partner last month, replacing former City chief Mark Sansom, who has taken up a new post as global client partner. Meanwhile, former global co-head of private capital, Charlie Hayes, is now co-head of global transactions alongside Patrick Cichy.
Zoubek’s appointment comes after he joined Freshfields in 2021, with his hire seen as a coup for the firm, which has made building out in the US a key plank of its strategy. His new role will see him oversee regional operations and strategic initiatives in the US.
‘The United States is a core part of our global platform,’ senior partner Georgia Dawson said in a statement, ‘and Damien’s appointment reflects our continued determination to deliver top-tier, fully integrated counsel to the most sophisticated clients, on the most demanding matters, around the world.’
Alongside his new role and his existing position as co-head of US corporate and M&A, Zoubek will continue to advise clients on M&A, including shareholder activism defence and distressed deals.
‘We’re at a pivotal moment of transformation for our industry and our clients — one where Freshfields is positioned to lead,’ Zoubek said. ‘I am honored to take on this role and grateful for the trust the partnership has placed in me. Freshfields has built something truly distinctive in the United States: a fully integrated practice with genuine depth across transactions, regulatory, investigations and litigation.’
The change in US leadership comes at a pivotal time for Freshfields, with the firm recently overhauling its partner compensation system to better reward star partners in the US and elsewhere in order to stay competitive.
Shortly after Zoubek moved across to Freshfields, he was joined by Jenny Hochenberg and Sanjay Murti, who were also both previously at Cravath. Hochenberg co-heads the M&A team globally at Freshfields, where all three partners have been seen as integral to the firm’s US build out.
Dawson added: ‘I’d also like to thank Sarah Solum for her outstanding service and the strong leadership she brought to our U.S. business over the last five years during a period of significant change and growth.’
