DLA Piper chief executive Sir Nigel Knowles is to take a non-executive chairman role at private equity boutique Zeus Capital.

The role is part-time, allowing Knowles to continue in his chief exective posititon at DLA Piper before he replaces the firm's current co-chairman Tony Angel in January. 

"I have a commitment to the firm," Knowles told Legal Week. "You can be opportunistic and do two things at one time. I have been brought in because I have the experience from DLA Piper and I will be of use to them – I do not think it will be [much of] a time commitment.

"I have known people in Zeus and in the private equity space for years. I have always loved the PE world and this keeps me connected with it . It is a wonderful opportunity for me that the firm has agreed I can pursue."

Joint chief executive at Zeus Capital, John Goold said: "The expertise that Sir Nigel brings will be a huge benefit to Zeus Capital. He has been behind some of the largest deals in the last two decades and has huge experience of growing a business. The team at Zeus are really excited about working with him."

January's impending management re-shuffle at DLA Piper will see Simon Levine take over from Knowles as co-chief executive, alongside Americas co-chair Jay Rains. Knowles will be joined by Americas co-chair Roger Meltzer as co-chairman of the firm.

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