Asia-based Matthew Middleditch has today (14 July) been named Linklaters‘ new head of corporate, replacing current incumbent Jeremy Parr, as Sarah Wiggins takes on the role of global head of client sectors.
Middleditch (pictured), who specialises in advising corporate clients and investment banks on mergers and acquisitions, is currently the firm’s Hong Kong-based head of corporate in Asia and has been a partner at the firm since 1990. His practice, which is largely built upon advising banks and insurance companies, also includes primary and secondary equity issues, including acting on IPOs, rights issues and placing.
He begins a four-year term in September, when London-based Parr, who is the senior relationship partner for BP, Lloyds Banking Group, United Technologies Corporation, Novartis, Unilever, RSA and Greene King, will return to full-time client work after four years at the helm of the group.
Middleditch will remain based in Hong Kong for the time being, although a spokesperson for the firm said that it was possible that he would relocate once his successor in Asia is found.
Wiggins, who was appointed as head of the London corporate practice in May, is promoted to the global role of head of client sectors. Wiggins is a senior corporate partner with a specific focus on the energy sector, having completed a secondment to BP’s head office last year. She succeeds Fiona Hobbs, who will also return to full time client work after completing her four year term. Wiggins is also on the steering committee of 30% Club, the influential body promoting greater gender diversity in senior management roles at UK companies.
Simon Davies, Linklaters managing partner, said: ‘The firm has made huge progress in recent years in sharpening its corporate offering and deepening its broader sector expertise and credentials. Matthew and Sarah bring tremendous experience to these roles with their extensive cross-border expertise, deep sector-based knowledge and commitment to supporting our clients with their most complex and critical matters.’
tom.moore@legalease.co.uk