Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance appoints Alexandra Davidson as new head of Global Funds and Investment Management

Leading international law firm Clifford Chance has appointed Alexandra Davidson, a partner in the firm's highly regarded Private Funds practice in London as the next head of its Global Funds and Investment Management group. Alex will succeed Hong Kong partner, Mark Shipman who has led the more than 300 lawyer team for over a decade.

Alex specialises in advising sponsors on the establishment of private investment funds and is widely recognised as a leader in her field.

Alex, who is already a member of the firm's Financial Investors Leadership Group, will continue to work closely with Kai-Niklas Schneider who leads the firm's global focus on supporting its Financial Investors clients, including private equity firms, asset managers, alternative capital providers, insurers, real estate and infrastructure funds, pension and sovereign wealth funds, and family offices. Clifford Chance has deep and long-standing relationships with many of the pre-eminent players in the sponsor community, and this client group is responsible for more than a third of the firm's global income.

Mark Shipman comments, "It has been a privilege to lead our work in the sector, collaborating with so many fantastic clients and talented colleagues around the globe. I am delighted to be handing over the reins to Alex, who has the exact mix of expertise and dynamism that we want to take our ambitious team into the next stage of our development."

Kai Schneider comments, "Ensuring the firm remains best placed to support our financial investor clients as they grow and face increased complexity in the operating and regulatory landscape, is one of Clifford Chance's top strategic priorities. I am greatly looking forward to working with Alex in her new role, as she continues the outstanding work that Mark has already done in pursuit of that goal."

Alex Davidson comments, "It is an honour to succeed Mark, who is a trailblazer in the industry and a wonderful colleague. Under his leadership the group has grown consistently across all our key metrics. Our Funds and Investment Management clients are navigating a busy market within an increasingly intricate legal environment worldwide, and I am excited to work with our team to continue to deliver the very best "one stop shop" international service to them."

Alex will be working closely with Mark over the coming months before formally assuming the role on 1 May. Mark will remain an active member of the team and continue to focus on his market leading investment management practice in Hong Kong and the Asia Pacific region.