General Electric subsidiary GE Capital has appointed a new general counsel with the hire of Linklaters London banking partner Neil Harnby.

Harnby, who will be based in London, will oversee GE Capital's Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) legal operations.

The GC position is new to GE Capital and will see Harnby oversee legal elements of commercial transactions, acquisitions and partnership agreements. He will report into GE Capital's EMEA president Richard Laxer.

Harnby, who will leave Linklaters at the end of August, joined the magic circle firm in 2000 as a managing associate before making partner in 2004. He advises on structured asset finance and leasing transactions within the energy, transport, media and utility sectors. Before joining Linklaters he was an associate at both Denton Wilde Sapte and legacy firm Rowe & Maw.

Laxer said: "Neil brings deep legal industry experience across a range of key asset classes, which will support the delivery of reliable and safe solutions to our customers with an unwavering commitment to performance with integrity."

Harnby will work alongside GE commercial GC Lorna Curry, who looks after the corporate finance division.

The news comes after GE recently appointed its roster of preferred legal advisers, with Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance, Norton Rose and Ashurst among the firms winning roles.

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