Hogan Lovells appoints Madrid partner to EMEA IMC leadership

Hogan Lovells has announced the appointment of Madrid office partner José María Balañá as new regional managing partner for the EMEA region

Hogan Lovells has announced new appointments to the firm’s International Management Committee (IMC) and Board. Reflecting the growing diversity of the partnership and the firm, 50% of the members of the Board are women, and both the Board and the IMC include a number of underrepresented partners.

In this regard, José María Balañá, Hogan Lovells Madrid office partner, has been appointed new regional managing partner for the EMEA region, as of 1 May, taking on the role from Marie-Aimée de Dampierre, who will take on the role of Chair on 1 May. Along with Balaña, Sébastien Gros has been named new regional administrative partner for the EMEA region, supporting José María.

Commenting on the IMC appointments, CEO Miguel Zaldivar said: “Our Practice Group Leaders and Regional Managing Partners play a crucial role in ensuring that our firm is making good progress on our strategic priorities.

“Our EMEA region is critical to our success – some of our largest and most successful offices are based in the region, particularly London, Germany, and Paris. I have worked closely with José María Balañá for many years – he brings laser-sharp focus and boundless energy to the Regional Managing Partner role.”

José María Balañá, the new Regional Managing Partner for the EMEA region, commented: “Our EMEA region comprises over 4,000 people, including 1,500 lawyers based in 15 countries, and it is home to three of the firm’s key engines – Germany, London, and Paris. Despite many challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, EMEA continues to achieve great results, representing 45% of our firm’s revenue in 2020. Our global footprint and stellar track record are key to many of the firm’s cross-border transactions and disputes.”

José María Balañá (pictured) is an M&A and Private Equity lawyer based in Madrid with an extensive track record in transactions, particularly acting for international corporates and funds investing in Spain. He succeeds Marie-Aimée de Dampierre, who has led the EMEA region since July of last year and will become the firm´s next Chair. He joined the firm 17 years ago and successfully built the Madrid office, which currently has 21 partners and 80 associates. In addition to heading up the Madrid office, José María has also previously served on the firm´s Board.