Simmons & Simmons has appointed UK projects head Juliet Reingold to lead its global energy and infrastructure sector group, replacing Charles Bankes in the role.

The City partner, who was appointed head of projects in 2008, has a practice focusing on major projects and public private partnerships (PPP), with a particular emphasis on the transport and logistics, facilities management, utilities and defence sectors. She advises on transactions including outsourcings, privatisations, partnerships, distribution, supply chain and procurement arrangements.

Reingold qualified into Simmons' commercial and trade law department in 1992 and became a partner in 1998.

Her recent work includes acting on projects including the the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, the East London Line, West Coast Main Line, Transport for London's Congestion Charging Scheme as well as several projects for the MoD.

Simmons' energy sector group, which works across practice areas, includes lawyers from the firm's offices focused on emissions, waste and renewable energy, energy regulation, energy trading and derivatives, mining and metals, infrastructure, nuclear, oil and gas, power and water.

Bankes has stepped down from leading the sector group in order to focus full time on his EU, competition and regulatory practice.

Simmons managing partner Jeremy Hoyland said: "Reingold has a fantastic practice and real credibility in the projects group and within the partnership. She will be energetic in driving growth in the sector."

Simmons' energy group advises clients including Qatar Petroleum, Essent, AES Corporation, China Minmetals, First Quantum Minerals, Sonatrach and Veolia. It is one of the firm's four sector focus groups which also include financial institutions, life sciences and technology, media and telecoms.