Linklaters in management rejig as finance chief takes on Asia role

Linklaters is gearing up for a change of leadership as finance head Giles White moves across to become Asia managing partner.

White, whose term as head of global finance and projects expires at the end of this financial year, will take over the Asia job in May 2007.

Current Asia head and corporate partner Simon Davies will be moving back to London to full-time fee-earning.

White told The Lawyer: “I worked in Asia in the mid-90s. I loved it and my family loved it.

“This is a huge opportunity to help the firm build on Simon’s great work. It’s such a big part of the firm’s offering.”

Davies said: “Giles is ideally suited to the role of Asia managing partner. I performed a consultation with partners in Asia and I’ve now received the international board’s approval.

“He’s got significant management experience, having been head of finance and projects globally and during his time on excom [the executive committee]. With his expertise in Asia it makes a great combination.”

White’s move underlines a general shift in the make-up of Linklaters’ management. Earlier this year he stood against corporate partner David Cheyne and banking partner Robert Elliott for senior partner. Cheyne, who won the partner vote, assumed office this month.

White’s move coincides with the announcement that banking head John Tucker will be stepping down from his role. Tucker has been leading the banking practice for eight years.

Tucker said: “My term was coming to an end. Going back to fee-earning was always the planned route.”