Bakers reshuffles management team as Latin American partner takes chair
Baker & McKenzie has reshuffled its global management committee as Latin America chair and Brazil managing partner Eduardo Leite takes over as chairman.
John Conroy
Leite takes over the reins from John Conroy today, becoming the first Latin American chair in the firm’s 61-year history.
Leite said: “I’m fortunate to assume my new role at a time when Baker & McKenzie is strong in every respect, thanks to the superb leadership and numerous contributions of John Conroy, our executive committee and countless others. I’ll do my absolute best to build on the progress they’ve made, as we strive to become even more valued and trusted advisors to our clients around the world.”
Conroy will return to practise in Chicago following two terms as global chairman. He will also head the firm’s global strategic initiatives team, overseeing client relationship development, talent growth and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Meanwhile, Chicago-based partner Philip Suse and Hong Kong partner Winston Zee have been elected to serve on the firm’s executive committee, succeeding US partner Peter Engstrom and Hong Kong partner Poh Lee Tan. Suse has also been elected chair of the firm’s North American Regional Council, while executive committee member Jeremy Pitts has been elected chair of the Asia Pacific Regional Council.
Other members of the eight-strong committee include partners Beatriz Pessoa de Araujo, Raymundo Enriquez, Alan Harvey and Koen Vanhaerents.
