Freshfields has appointed a new UK managing partner, the firm announced today (14 May), with incumbent City chief Mark Sansom to step into a new role as global client partner.
The firm has appointed London private capital co-head Victoria Sigeti to the role. Sigeti, who joined the firm 25 years ago before making partner in 2015, is a leading private equity partner, and has played a key role in shaping the firm’s expansion of its private capital offering.
In the Legal 500 Hall of Fame for high-value PE, Sigeti is currently one of the partners acting for Swedish buyout shop EQT on its potential acquisition of FTSE 100 company Intertek.
Both role changes will take effect immediately, and both Sansom and Sigeti will continue their client work.
Sansom, who took over as managing partner in 2023 from Claire Wills, will have responsibility to shape the firm’s client strategy across practices and sectors. The role, which LB understands is not part of the global leadership team, was not occupied, though current global managing partner Alan Mason did previously hold the post.
Commenting on her move, Sigeti said: ‘It is a privilege to be appointed as UK Managing Partner, building on the strong legacy of leadership in this role. London remains central to our global success, and I look forward to working with colleagues across the firm to continue delivering for our clients and investing in the next generation of talent.’
‘Leading Freshfields’ UK and Ireland business has been hugely rewarding. I’m excited to build on that experience in my new role, with a firmwide focus on deepening our client relationships and supporting the firm’s continued growth,’ Sansom said.
Sansom was one of the lead partners that acted for Mastercard when the credit card provider faced a potential class action in which over 46 million customers claimed damanges. Speaking to LB during 2024, when the case was very much still underway, he said, ‘We’ve had some good successes along the way that have reduced the value of the remaining claim hugely. It started at more than £17bn and is now worth well under a billion on our view.’
Reflecting on the litigator’s term, Freshfields senior partner Georgia Dawson added: ‘Mark’s appointment as global Client Partner reflects the importance we place on a strong, integrated client strategy at a global level, and I’m delighted he will be leading this work for the firm.
‘I would also like to thank Mark for the impact he has had as our UK and Ireland regional managing partner. I’m pleased to announce Victoria as his successor; her leadership experience and client focus make her exceptionally well placed to drive forward our UK business as a core part of Freshfields’ global platform.’
When Sansom took over as London managing partner in 2023, he told LB that the firm was particularly focused on nurturing its internal pipeline. Last month, the firm announced its largest ever promotion round with 43 partners, 11 of whom were in London, a slight increase from nine the previous year.
