Freshfields has made a double leadership change in London with Victoria Sigeti being named UK managing partner, replacing Mark Sansom who is moving to the role of global client partner.
Private capital partner Sigeti will lead the firm’s UK business alongside her full client practice. She will work with colleagues in the UK and globally to help drive the firm’s strategic priorities.
Sansom will now have responsibility for driving the firm’s global client strategy across practice groups and sectors. The role of global client partner has been revived after the former incumbent, Alan Mason, became global co-managing partner in 2021.
Sansom will continue his antitrust litigation client work while carrying out his new role. He had been made London managing partner in 2023 when he replaced Claire Wills at the end of her four-year term, later adding Dublin to his remit.
The leadership changes are effective immediately.
Freshfields senior partner Georgia Dawson said: “Mark’s appointment as global client partner reflects the importance we place on a strong, integrated client strategy at a global level, and I’m delighted he will be leading this work for the firm.
“I would also like to thank Mark for the impact he has had as our UK and Ireland regional managing partner. I’m pleased to announce Victoria as his successor; her leadership experience and client focus make her exceptionally well placed to drive forward our UK business as a core part of Freshfields’ global platform.”
Sigeti, who has been a partner at Freshfields since 2015, takes on her first leadership position, though she has played a significant role in the expansion of the firm’s private capital offering, Freshfields noted.
She said: “It is a privilege to be appointed as UK managing partner, building on the strong legacy of leadership in this role. London remains central to our global success, and I look forward to working with colleagues across the firm to continue delivering for our clients and investing in the next generation of talent.”
Sansom has been a partner at Freshfields since 2011, becoming head of London dispute resolution and co-chair of its global antitrust litigation group in 2022 before taking on his most recent leadership role.
He said: “Leading Freshfields’ UK and Ireland business has been hugely rewarding. I’m excited to build on that experience in my new role, with a firmwide focus on deepening our client relationships and supporting the firm’s continued growth.”
Dawson was elected to serve a second term as senior partner in July last year, having become the first woman to be appointed to lead a UK Magic Circle firm.
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