Reed Smith has replaced its Athens office leadership with a new duo, including a London-based female partner. 

Incumbent Athens managing partner George Panagopoulos last week resigned from the firm.

Assuming the helm are London shipping partner Sally-Ann Underhill and Athens-resident partner Anthony Poulopoulos, according to two people close to the matter. 

Litigator Panagopoulos has headed up the Athens office since 2002, according to a person close to the matter, and has also worked across Reed Smith's Australia and London bases.

Underhill was made up to the partnership in 2014, but has been involved in shipping law for over 25 years, according to her firm profile.

New co-leader Poulopoulos has been a partner at the firm since 2002. He focuses on commercial matters, including litigation and regulatory issues.

Reed Smith's European office footprint now comprises Athens, Frankfurt, Munich, Paris and Brussels, with over 250 personnel.

In a statement, a spokesperson at Reed Smith told Law.com International: "I can confirm that George Panagopoulos has resigned from the firm and has been placed on garden leave. Partners Anthony Poulopoulos and Sally-Ann Underhill have assumed the role of co-office managing partner for the firm's Athens office. Athens is a growing and important market for the firm and remains a core element of our European strategy."