The competition to become the next global co-CEO of DLA Piper has now come down to London-based partner Charles Severs and Paris-based partner Stephane Lemarchand, according to Bloomberg Law. The two are aiming to succeed Simon Levine in the firm’s robust leadership framework.
Charles Severs, a London-based M&A lawyer, has an impressive portfolio of client experience, having worked with notable organizations such as John Menzies PLC, Symphony Technology Group, Elekta Inc., and Hexcel Corp. On the other side, the Paris-based Stephane Lemarchand, focuses on information technology transactions and litigation, primarily in the intellectual property sector.
Succeeding Simon Levine, the global co-CEO and international managing partner whose term concludes at the end of 2024, either Lemarchand or Severs will begin their term on January 1 of the following year.
The global co-CEO will work alongside Frank Ryan, the incumbent America’s chair who was reelected to a second four-year term in leadership last year. His reelection aligns with DLA Piper’s success, as the firm was recognized as the third-largest US firm, according to the annual American Lawyer survey.
The firm saw substantial success in 2022, reporting $3.68 billion in gross revenue, signifying a 6.2% increment from prior year. The firm proudly surpassed earnings of nearly $2.9 million in profits per equity partner.
Although there were initially five partners vying for the global co-CEO position, the field has narrowed down to Severs and Lemarchand now, as confirmed by a DLA Piper spokesperson. The details regarding the remaining three candidates who have dropped out of the race have not been disclosed.
As the race draws to a close, DLA Piper’s succession process is now in its final stages. The firm aims to adhere to a structured process to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.