Norton Rose Fulbright’s (NRF’s) chief executive, Gerry Pecht, is stepping down early and retiring from the firm in a surprise move announced today.

US managing partner Jeff Cody and EMEA head Peter Scott have taken over the leadership of the firm as an interim measure to ensure “a seamless management of the affairs of the global firm”, NRF said in a brief statement.

The pair will co-head the firm’s global executive committee, whose role, the firm said, was to “lead and manage the affairs of the global firm” playing “a valuable role in shaping and agreeing the strategy and future direction of the firm globally”.

No explanation was immediately given for Pecht’s departure by the firm, which praised his “remarkable career”.

“Gerry has decided to step down as global CEO of Norton Rose Fulbright and as a partner in Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP after a distinguished career with NRF spanning 43 years,” the firm said. 

The US-based former global head of dispute resolution and litigation took up the role in October 2020, when he succeeded Peter Martyr, who had led the firm since 2002. 

Elected for an initial four-year term, Pecht had been due to take over from Martyr in January 2021, but stepped into the role earlier than expected on Martyr’s decision not to complete the final months of his term.

In the statement, the firm added: “During his leadership, Gerry has focused the firm’s efforts on being a leading global firm that is collaborative, client centric, innovative, diverse and socially responsible. 

“The firm wishes Gerry the very best in the next phase of his remarkable career. Gerry wants to thank the partners, lawyers and business services personnel who work so tirelessly to build this great firm.”

As well as Cody and Scott, the firm’s global executive committee also includes the executive leaders of the other components of the NRF verein, Alison Deitz, managing partner of Norton Rose Fulbright Australia, Charles E. Hurdon, managing partner of Norton Rose Fulbright Canada, and Andrew Robinson, chief executive of Norton Rose Fulbright South Africa.

Both Cody and Scott are experienced leaders for their respective LLPs. Dallas-based Cody became US managing partner in January 2020 and was re-elected to serve a second four-year term in February 2023.

Scott, a competition law specialist, was appointed to serve a second three-year term as EMEA head in January 2023.