Linklaters has named global finance head Paul Lewis as its new firmwide managing partner, replacing Gideon Moore who decided to step down before his term was originally due to end next year as the firm embarks on a new leadership direction.

Moore had been in the role for just over five years and will remain at the firm as a partner. Lewis, who has been with Linklaters since 1997, will begin his term on July 16. As well as previously heading the firm’s finance division, Lewis was also co-head of its innovation group. Other prior leadership positions include having sat on the firm’s partnership board alongside new senior partner and chair Aedamar Comiskey, as well as on its executive committee, which he will now chair. Lewis is a capital markets lawyer specialising in derivatives and structured securities. He became a partner back in 2006.

Comiskey said: “Paul will be an excellent firmwide managing partner. We have enjoyed working together as colleagues and friends for over 20 years. I have great confidence in his strategic thinking, strong leadership skills and laser-sharp focus on our future success. I’m looking forward to us leading the firm together to foster ambition, creativity and excellence from our high-performing teams across the world.”

Comiskey was elected as the firm’s first female senior partner in its almost 200-year history back in May, replacing Charlie Jacobs who announced his departure to JPMorgan as co-head of UK investment banking earlier this year.

Lewis said: “Having been with the firm for 24 years since joining as a trainee, it is a privilege to have been chosen to work with Aedamar in leading us in the next part of our story. The firm has a simple formula – exceptionally talented, high-performing teams delivering outstanding results for clients. I look forward to Aedamar and myself helping foster the environment that enables that to happen and have a huge excitement as to what the future holds for Linklaters.”

Last month Linklaters named M&A partner Simon Branigan as its new global corporate head, replacing Comiskey in the role.