In a bid to market itself more innovatively to clients, Ashurst has hired RBS head of EMEA loan markets Dave Rome to a newly-created position of strategic director of corporate lending.
In his new role, Rome (pictured) will bring his 25 years’ experience at RBS and NatWest across the UK, Europe and Asia to develop and grow drive the firm’s strategy across syndicated loan markets. In his previous job, Rome was responsible for developing and executing syndicated loan transactions across the UK and Western Europe.
Ashurst partner Lee Doyle, himself a former RBS lawyer, said Rome will give important support to lawyers at the firm. ‘Law firms spend a lot of time talking about differentiating themselves, having the ability to provide commercial advice, and all those clichés. But the truth is the average lawyer, as commercial as he may try to be, is still going to be a lawyer and doesn’t really have the visibility of the commercial terms or transactions in the decision making processes within the banks or what the risk appetites are that exist within the different banks.’
He added: ‘When I was thinking about how we really make a splash in the corporate lending space, it really is about fulfilling all those clichés. When the opportunity came up to bring Dave in, I felt with his experience within the market, the standing that he’s got with all the banks – he just provides another reason for a corporate to engage with Ashurst.’
Rome added: ‘Bringing my market knowledge and client facing experience to Ashurst will provide a unique proposition that we are confident will be greatly valued by clients. I leave behind a strong business and team at RBS but after 27 years it is time for a new challenge.’
Earlier this week Ashurst announced the shake-up of its management team, introducing three new roles in leadership and innovation. Glasgow managing partner Mike Polson and Sydney-based banking and finance partner Jamie Ng will take up the roles of co-heads of innovation, while London-based infrastructure partner Logan Mair has won the role of head of clients. Former co-head of the firm’s corporate division Simon Beddow has been made London office managing partner in a newly created position.
madeleine.farman@legalease.co.uk
