US: Covington names sports lawyer as new chair

US law firm Covington & Burling has named top sports lawyer Douglas Gibson as its first new chair in 12 years, replacing 64-year-old Tim Hester who took over at the height of the financial crisis.  

Covington, which was founded in Washington DC a century ago, and has more than 120 former regulatory and enforcement officials in its ranks, said 54-year-old Mr Gibson had been unanimously elected following an uncontested race. He will take up a four-year term in January next year.  

“Douglas is a quieter sort of person than Tim but very driven, very smart and has been very close to [Mr Hester] over the last several years,” said one Covington partner based in London. “I think he will bring new ideas but no one is expecting a radical shift in policy because they are very aligned.”

Mr Gibson, former general counsel at Bacardi, will oversee the firm’s next senior lawyers conference in February and will present its 2024 strategy plan.

Full Content: Financial Times

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