Baker & McKenzie has appointed Mike DeFranco as head of the firm's global M&A practice. 

DeFranco succeeds London-based Tim Gee whose second term as global M&A head concluded this autumn. Gee previously led the M&A practice between 1999 and 2009 before taking up a second stint in 2012. 

DeFranco is based in the international firm's Chicago office and  concentrates on corporate finance and general corporate and securities issues. He represents clients in a wide variety of transactions, including negotiated and contested public and private acquisitions.

His past mandates include representing global delivery company FedEx in multiple transactions, including its acquisition of Genco Distribution System and its ongoing acquisition of TNT Express.

Eduardo Leite, chairman of Baker & McKenzie, said:"DeFranco's extensive expertise leading global teams through many high-profile transactions will serve our firm well in the coming years. I'd also like to thank Tim for helping to grow the practice to support the needs of many of the world's most dynamic corporations to the extent that, on average, we now close a deal a day for a client somewhere in the world."

DeFranco's appointment comes as Bakers seeks to fill the gaps left by the exit of two global practice heads in a week to Linklaters. Global head of disputes Tom Cassels and global head of white collar crime Douglas Tween left for the magic circle firm earlier this month. 

Cassels joins Linkaters' London office and will specialise in contentious competition and public law disputes.

Tween, who also led Bakers' New York litigation practice, will join as a partner in its competition practice and will lead its US cartel and government investigations practice.

It is not yet known when Bakers will appoint new leaders for these groups.