Hogan Lovells appoints a new single CEO rather than its post-merger duo
For the first time in its history, Hogan Lovells will have one boss.
The firm announced on Wednesday that Stephen Immelt, the firm’s global co-head of litigation and arbitration, will become the sole chief executive officer of the firm beginning on July 1, 2014, pending an official vote from the firm’s partners. Immelt is set to replace co-CEOs Warren Gorrell and David Harris, who will both step down from the leadership roles they have held since the firm was officially created in May 2010 after a merger between Washington, D.C.-headquartered Hogan & Hartson and London-based Lovells.
According to the firm’s press release, Harris will retire while Gorrell, a corporate lawyer by trade, will continue to represent clients. The firm also stated that London-based finance partner David Hudd, who currently serves as the firm’s global finance head, will assume the role of deputy CEO pending the results of the partnership vote. If elected, each man would serve a four-year term.
“Our partners were clear that now is the right time to move to a single CEO,” said Hogan Lovells chair Nicholas Cheffings, in the press release. “Steve is the obvious and clear choice. The Board was unanimous in recommending him to the partnership for the role. “ Immelt, who is based in Washington, D.C., added that, if elected, it would be his privilege to succeed Gorrell and Harris.
Immelt’s impending ascension at Hogan Lovells would add another CEO to his family tree. His brother, Jeff Immelt, is currently CEO at GE.
