Mayer Brown names new management trinity

Mayer Brown Rowe & Maw has appointed three partners to replace outgoing chairman Ty Fahner when he steps down next spring.

General counsel James Holzhauer takes over as chairman with London senior partner Paul Maher and Washington DC chief Kenneth Geller becoming vice chairs in a so-called 'office of the chairman'.

The appointments were made by the US giant's policy and planning committee and will take effect officially from 1 June, 2007.

Holzhauer will be responsible for implementing initiatives adopted by the policy committee, while Geller will have responsibility for global operations and Maher will oversee global strategy.

Fahner became chairman in 1998 and oversaw the merger between of Mayer Brown & Platt with London firm Rowe & Maw in 2002. During his tenure the firm has nearly doubled in size from 800 lawyers to almost 1,400 worldwide.

Fahner said: "Mayer Brown is moving into a new phase and it makes sense to align primary responsibilities with individual leaders' strengths."