In-house promotions and moves often have a domino effect across the wider legal function and Lloyds Banking Group (LBG) is no exception. The major British financial institution has recently announced that former corporate M&A head Hugh Pugsley will take over as general counsel (GC) for group legal from Kate Cheetham, who was promoted to deputy GC this January.
Pugsley, a former associate at Allen & Overy, has moved up the ranks of the 60-strong team and will now be responsible for advising the banking giant on financial reporting, M&A, corporate development, HR, and property-related issues.
The lawyer has a wealth of industry experience behind him, having previously led the corporate group for UBS’ Middle East and North Africa regions before joining LBG in 2010.
Pugsley’s internal promotion follows LBG’s lateral hire of UBS Wealth’s disputes chief Philippa Simmons, who replaces dispute resolution head Aamir Khan after he left this summer for US legal process outsourcing provider Clutch to become its GC and senior director for the UK and Europe. Simmons’ appointment comes as LBG looks at options including outsourcing its retail and wealth and asset finance litigation teams.
Pugsley’s replacement had yet to be announced at the time of going to press.