Baker McKenzie announced the appointment of Jo Hewitt as managing partner of its London office, making her the first woman to lead the firm’s London operations. Her term will begin on October 1, 2026, and run through June 30, 2029.
Hewitt currently serves as co-head of the firm’s Corporate Reorganisations team in London, where she advises multinational companies on complex restructuring projects, post-acquisition integrations, holding company restructurings, and group rationalizations. Her practice also includes corporate governance and company law advisory work for private companies.
A longtime member of Baker McKenzie, Hewitt began her legal career with the firm before spending time at Latham & Watkins and Olswang as an associate and senior associate. She returned to Baker McKenzie as a partner in 2016 and has served on the London office’s Management Committee over the past year. She is also active in BakerWomen, the firm’s initiative aimed at supporting and advancing female talent.
Hewitt succeeds Ed Poulton, who has led the London office since 2021. Poulton will continue with the firm in his role as EMEA chair of Baker McKenzie’s Global Dispute Resolution practice.
The appointment comes as the firm continues to support clients navigating increasing technological and geopolitical complexity. Baker McKenzie said Hewitt’s combination of legal expertise and leadership experience positions her to build on the London office’s existing platform and support its global client base.
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“I am hugely excited to be taking on the role of London Office Managing Partner in the autumn. It is a privilege to represent such a talented team of lawyers and business professionals, whose ability to bring together deep subject matter expertise with a global perspective and an innovative mindset has never been more needed. I look forward to supporting the team as we support our clients with their most significant matters against a backdrop of rapid technological and geopolitical change.”
Jo Hewitt, Incoming London Office Managing Partner, Baker McKenzie
“It gives me the greatest pleasure to see Jo appointed as our next London Office Managing Partner. Not only a brilliant and impressive lawyer but also a fierce champion of female talent in the legal industry, I can think of no one better to pass the baton on to.”
Ed Poulton, EMEA Chair of Global Dispute Resolution and Outgoing London Office Managing Partner, Baker McKenzie
“I would like to thank Ed for the superb work he has done to lead the London office in his five year tenure. I have no doubt that Jo will continue to build on the already impressive platform as a fantastic ambassador for the Firm.”
Alex Chadwick, Chief Executive, EMEA, Baker McKenzie
