Tax Partner Kathleen Russ elected Senior Partner at Travers Smith
Travers Smith LLP has announced the election of Kathleen Russ as the firm’s new Senior Partner with effect from 1 July 2019. Kathleen will succeed Chris Hale who has held the post since 2013.
Kathleen Russ is a 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 and one of the largest tax departments in the City. The department is a broadly based tax practice providing market leading tax advice to large corporates, leading asset managers and high profile individuals. The department also includes a highly regarded incentives and remuneration team. Kathleen herself specialises in private equity transactions. She was a member of the BVCA Tax Committee from 2002 to 2017 and, in January 2017, she was appointed as a non-executive director to the Board of the Office of Tax Simplification.
Travers Smith’s Managing Partner David Patient said: “Many congratulations to Kathleen on her appointment as our next Senior Partner. We have known each other a long time, having both joined the firm over 25 years ago. We share a strong commitment to the firm’s values and culture, and I very much look forward to working alongside Kathleen in what promises to be an exciting period for our firm. I would also like to thank Chris Hale for the immense contribution he has made to Travers Smith over the years, and the tremendous energy and leadership that he has brought to the role of Senior Partner.”
Travers Smith’s current Senior Partner Chris Hale said: “I have worked with Kathleen Russ for many years both on transaction work and as a member of the Travers Smith Partnership Board. I have seen how dedicated she is to the firm and that she has all the qualities to make an outstanding Senior Partner. I am delighted she has been chosen as my successor.”
Kathleen Russ commented: “Travers Smith’s client credentials are obvious for all to see. We have outstanding advisory practices, a disputes team which is consistently knocking it out of the park and a cross departmental transactional practice which is second to none. Our culture is less visible to the external eye, but I believe that it is our culture which makes us truly unique. It is a high performing environment which is inclusive, supportive, increasingly diverse and progressive. As Senior Partner, I want to nurture that culture and in doing so, to work alongside David in leading the firm to further success.
Travers Smith is a very special law firm. By appointing me, my partners have trusted me to be the steward of this firm over my tenure. To be given the opportunity to do so, and in doing so, to showcase everything which is so special about this firm, will be an honour and a privilege for me. I look forward to taking the reins from Chris next summer.”