Linklaters has appointed former global co-head of innovation Paul Lewis as its new finance and projects head.

Lewis (pictured) will sit on the magic circle firm's 12-member executive committee and his role will last for a four-year term beginning 1 May this year.

He replaces Michael Kent in the role, who will remain a partner in the financial regulation practice.

Lewis was previously UK head of derivatives and structured products at the firm, which he joined in 1999, and has been a partner at since 2006. He previously sat on Linklaters partnership board between 2013 and 2016, as the joint representative for its London finance and projects group.

Linklaters' managing partner Gideon Moore said: "During his career here at Linklaters, Paul has demonstrated outstanding commitment to our clients, delivering legal certainty in an increasingly complex landscape. He's been at the forefront of developing new products and innovative solutions, constantly challenging our way of thinking to ensure that the firm's vision is fully realised; he will make an excellent divisional head."

As part of his new role, Lewis will be responsible for the firm's banking, capital markets, investment funds, projects and real estate and financial regulations groups. Lewis recently spoke about the boom in cryptocurrencies with Legal Week earlier this year.

Other members of Linklaters' executive committee include:

  • Chairman – Gideon Moore
  • Global chief operating officer – Matt Peers
  • Chief finance officer – Peter Hickman
  • Divisional head, dispute resolution – Michael Bennett
  • Divisional head, corporate – Aedamar Comiskey
  • Global practice head, US – Tom Shropshire
  • Regional managing partner, western Europe – Claudia Parzani
  • Regional managing partner, Asia – Nathalie Hobbs
  • Senior partner, Germany – Andreas Steck
  • Client and sectors partner – Sarah Wiggins
  • HR director, Chris Lynch