Clifford Chance's (CC) former senior partner Stuart Popham is set to join Citigroup as a vice-chairman of EMEA banking.

Citi said that Popham's primary role will be to strengthen relationships with the bank's UK large-cap clients, working within a team of senior bankers.

Popham stepped down as senior partner at CC at the end of last year when he handed over the role to London finance partner Malcolm Sweeting. He had been senior partner at the magic circle firm since 2002. Before that he was head of the global banking and finance practice from 1999 to 2003, and head of the London finance and securities group from 1992 to 1995.

Earlier this month he was awarded honourary QC status in this year's silk round.

Commenting on what attracted him to join Citi, Popham said: "Citi is an organisation that I know very well and this was an enticing factor. I was also compelled by the fact that it is a business-focused rather than a legal role, which means broadening my capacity. In meeting with the team at Citi I was also convinced that this is a bank that is going in the right direction. The fact that it is a half-time role means I can continue with a number of my other projects on the side as well."

Citi is among a number of banks that Popham has worked with during his long career as a CC banking partner, although the relationship is managed at CC by London banking partner Michael Bray. During his career at CC, Popham has managed relationships with UBS, Royal Bank of Scotland and, in a shared capacity, also Morgan Stanley and JP Morgan.

He will leave CC on 28 April and join Citi on 1 July.

Sweeting said: "This is fantastic recognition for Stuart. We're extremely proud to see him taking on such an important role at one of our most valued clients. We wish him the very best of luck in his new position."

Citigroup's head of UK broking and banking Philip Robert-Tissot added: "Stuart's hire is a key appointment for Citi as we continue to build out our UK business. He brings an array of top-tier relationships, forged during his 34 years at CC, as well as global expertise in finance and securities. This appointment is further evidence of Citi's continued growth and ambition in the UK banking space."

The role at Citi will be part-time, with Popham also involved in a number of other organisations. He is a member of the CBI International Advisory Board, vice chairman of the London Council of the CBI, chairman of TheCityUK and a council member of the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House).

He is also set to join the board of the Royal National Lifeboat Association, subject to a vote in May.

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Stuart Popham is chairing Legal Week's Future of Legal Services Forum, which is being held on 14 April in London. For more information see here