US alternative asset management firm TPG has hired Jennifer Chu as chief legal officer, replacing Bradford Berenson who is retiring from the firm at the end of the year.

Chu joins from Debevoise & Plimpton, where she was a partner and deputy co-chair of its M&A group advising companies and private equity firms on a range of transactions and corporate matters. She will bring that experience to TPG, where she will oversee all legal matters related to the business and the firm’s investments. She will take up her new position on 31 March.

Texas-based TPG invests in areas such as private equity, credit and real estate, and has $246bn of assets under management.

Jon Winkelried, TPG’s CEO, said: “Throughout her career, Jen has proven adept at guiding her corporate and private equity clients through complicated commercial transactions and other matters. As our firm continues to grow in size and complexity across asset classes and geographies, we will benefit from Jen’s depth of experience, leadership expertise and judgement.”

Chu arrives after more than 18 years at Debevoise, having started her legal career there in 2006 and making partner in 2015.

She said: “As the alternative asset management industry continues to evolve, TPG has established itself as a leader with an impressive track record and significant runway for continued growth. In getting to know the team, I’ve been drawn to TPG’s entrepreneurial culture and look forward to partnering with colleagues across the firm to support TPG’s growth plans.”

Berenson, meantime, is set to move to a senior advisor role before he exits the firm later this year after eight years as general counsel. Prior to joining TPG, he was vice president for litigation and legal policy at General Electric. Earlier in his career he spent almost a decade as a partner at Sidley Austin and also spent two years in the White House as an associate counsel to then President George W. Bush.

Winkelried added: “Since joining TPG in 2017, Brad has been a trusted partner and advisor to many across the firm. He was instrumental in TPG’s IPO and transition to a public company, as well as our acquisition of Angelo Gordon. He’s had a successful legal career, spanning the private and public sectors, and we thank him for his many contributions to TPG over the years.”

In other recent investment management-related moves, back in January US private equity firm AE Industrial Partners hired McDermott Will & Emery partner Matthew Friendly as its first GC.