Emerging markets head Eastwell quits <a class=Linklaters” class=”inline_image inline_image_left” src=”/pictures/web/images/16578_NickEastwellLinklaters90.jpg” />Linklaters stalwart Nick Eastwell has retired from the firm after 20 years as partner, leaving project finance partner Stuart Salt to take over as managing partner of Emerging Europe, Middle East and North Africa (EEMENA).

Eastwell’s decision calls time on a 27-year stint at Linklaters, during which time he held the positions of global capital markets head, chief of central and eastern Europe and head of international finance.

In 2007 Eastwell stood in the firm’s managing partner elections, which saw Asia head Simon Davies win the top job.

Davies said: “I’d like to thank Nick for his significant contribution to the firm over what has been a long and distinguished career at Linklaters.”

Eastwell will step down as EEMENA head at the end of April and leave the firm at the end of October.

Salt has been a partner at Linklaters since 1992.

The move comes as Linklaters implements a restructuring named Project New World, which will see more than 200 jobs go in London (29 January).

Eastwell could not be reached for comment.