International law firm Bird & Bird has appointed former Head of the firm’s international Tech & Comms sector group Graeme Maguire as Chair of the firm's Board, effective from 1 April 2020. Graeme takes on the role previously held by Milan IP partner Massimiliano Mostardini since 2016.
Graeme is a leading expert in international regulatory and commercial technology and communications, and has worked with many of the world’s key technology and communications companies on strategic international transactions and regulatory issues for the past 25 years. He has also been heavily involved in the firm's leadership and development since joining in 2005.
Graeme is founder of the firm's international Tech & Comms sector group, which he led from 2014 to 2018, having been head of the former Communications group since 2010. Graeme also served on the firm's Global Board from 2015 to 2017 and the Strategy Committee from 2015 to 2019.
Massimiliano Mostardini, outgoing Chair of Bird & Bird, says: 'Serving as Bird & Bird’s Chair has been a great privilege, and I have been proud to watch the firm’s culture and performance go from strength to strength over the past three years. I'm delighted to pass the baton on to Graeme – someone who is well known and well respected around our international network and in the wider market.’
David Kerr, CEO of Bird & Bird, says: 'Congratulations to Graeme on being elected as the new Chair of Bird & Bird. I've worked closely with Graeme for many years in his capacity of head of our Tech & Comms group and on the Board, and I know that the firm will appreciate the perspective he brings to the role. It's certainly an interesting and challenging time for us all right now, both professionally and personally, so Graeme and I are fully committed to working together to ensure our firm and its people continue to go from strength to strength.'
Graeme Maguire, incoming Chair of Bird & Bird, says: 'I'm honoured to have been elected by the partnership to serve as Chair. This firm is full of brilliant, bright people, full of creative ideas and innovative solutions. Bird & Bird's vision is central to its identity, and our deep understanding of technology, intellectual property and regulation means we are well placed to advise businesses around the world on key issues they are facing. I look forward to working with David and our management teams, the partners and all of our people to ensure the Bird & Bird culture, passion and excellence in client service delivery continue to thrive.'
