MBRM names new chief for Chicago HQ

Mayer Brown Rowe & Maw has appointed Frederick Thomas as the partner in charge of its headquarters in Chicago, while office managing partner Debora de Hoyos is to take a position on the firmwide management committee.

Thomas, who is also on the management committee and was previously a firmwide corporate practice leader, replaces Julian D'Esposito as head of the Chicago office, which is the firm's largest. D'Esposito will remain with the firm as a member of the government and global trade practice.

De Hoyos, who has been managing partner in Chicago for the past 15 years, is to take responsibility for firmwide client development initiatives as well as lawyer recruitment and development.

Managing partner responsibilities are being merged with the new post of chairman, a post that will be filled by Jim Holzhauer.