Jones Day has overhauled its European management with Mary Ellen Powers named partner-in-charge of Europe and the Middle East among four new leadership appointments.

Trial practice partner Powers, currently partner-in-charge of the US firm's Washington office, will take up the newly-created role in January 2011, with Gregory Shumaker replacing her as Washington head.

Powers (pictured) has headed up the Washington office since 2003 and will be responsible for 440 lawyers across the firm's nine European offices in her new capacity.

The firm has also elected new leadership for in its Brussels, Paris and Madrid bases.

Competition partner Bernard Amory will succeed corporate partner Luc Houben as partner-in-charge in Brussels, while litigation partner Mercedes Fernandez will take over from M&A partner Luis Riesgo in Madrid.

M&A partner Sophie Hagege will succeed fellow M&A partner Wesley Johnson in Paris.

Amory said: "The plans for the Brussels office will be to continue to expand our presence in the market, which will include both growth through hires and continuing to pursue the top-tier level of work.

"Brussels is a key location for Jones Day because it is the capital of Europe and as these appointments show we are focused on securing a strong position in the continent."

Following the transition in January, Brussels' Houben will lead the firm's Japan expansion in Europe and the US, while Riesgo will relocate from Spain to Brazil to head up the firm's new office there.

Johnson will take up a role on the firm's partnership committee after stepping down from his leadership position in Paris.