Travers Smith has announced the election of Kathleen Russ as the firm’s new Senior Partner with effect from 1 July 2019.  Ms Russ will succeed Chris Hale who has held the post since 2013.

Tax expert

Kathleen Russ, a tax expert who specialises in private equity transactions, acted as head of Travers Smith's tax department for many years, growing the department into one of the firm’s key business areas and one of the largest tax departments in the City. The department is a broadly based tax practice providing market leading tax advice to large corporates, leading asset managers and high profile individuals. The department also includes a highly regarded incentives and remuneration team. Ms Russ was a member of the BVCA Tax Committee from 2002 to 2017 and, in January 2017, she was appointed as a non-executive director to the Board of the Office of Tax Simplification.

Committed and dedicated

Travers Smith’s managing partner David Patient said ‘many congratulations to Kathleen on her appointment as our next Senior Partner. We have known each other a long time, having both joined the firm over 25 years ago. We share a strong commitment to the firm's values and culture, and I very much look forward to working alongside Kathleen in what promises to be an exciting period for our firm.’ Travers Smith's current senior partner Chris Hale said: ‘I have worked with Kathleen Russ for many years both on transaction work and as a member of the Travers Smith Partnership Board. I have seen how dedicated she is to the firm and that she has all the qualities to make an outstanding senior partner. I am delighted she has been chosen as my successor.’