We are delighted to announce that Kathleen Russ starts her term as Travers Smith's new Senior Partner, with effect from today.
Kathleen Russ commented: "I am delighted to have been given an opportunity to lead Travers Smith. It is a successful, dynamic and progressive firm, and I intend to use the role to showcase everything which is so special about it.
Clients are at the heart of our business. We have outstanding advisory practices, an exceptional disputes team, which regularly acts on some of the most complex and high profile contentious matters in the market, and a cross departmental transactional practice which is second to none. As the firm's new Senior Partner, I am keen to build on our strong client relationships and ensure we continue to deliver a first-rate service to clients across all areas of expertise."
Kathleen is an outstanding tax expert, who acted as Head of Travers Smith's Tax Department for many years. Under Kathleen’s leadership the department grew into one of the firm’s key business areas. It is also one of the largest and most diverse tax departments in the City, including nine partners in total.
Kathleen specialises in private equity transactions and has regularly acted for both institutional investors and management teams. She was a member of the BVCA Tax Committee from 2002 to 2017. In January 2017, she was appointed as a non-executive director to the Board of the Office of Tax Simplification, which provides advice to the Chancellor on simplifying the UK tax system and was made a permanent, independent office of HM Treasury.
Kathleen has been involved in shaping and executing Travers Smith’s business strategy, as a member of the firm's Partnership Board, for a number of years. Throughout her career, she has been particularly dedicated to promoting equality and diversity in the legal sector, and is a strong supporter of the firm's growing Diversity & Inclusion programme. With effect from today, Kathleen will also become Chair of the Partnership Board and Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Board in the firm.
In her new role, Kathleen has succeeded Chris Hale, who held the post since 2013, and will remain with the firm as a Consultant.
Travers Smith’s Managing Partner David Patient said: "Chris has contributed so much to the firm over many years, and we are delighted that, as he steps down from his role as Senior Partner, he will remain with the firm. Kath and I share a strong commitment to our firm's values and culture, and I very much look forward to working alongside her more closely going forward, in what promises to be an exciting new chapter for the firm."