Kate Barton

She will join Dentons from EY, where she has had a distinguished 35-year career in a variety of executive leadership roles, most recently as global vice chair. She will succeed Elliott Portnoy.

She said: “I have watched Dentons redefine the legal services landscape with its pioneering business strategy and client offerings.

“Under Elliott’s leadership, this firm has differentiated itself with its polycentric approach and integrated cross-border and multidisciplinary client engagements, proving that uniting and operating as one firm is far more impactful.

“I am looking forward to working with Elliott on a transition and to collaborating with Dentons’ accomplished regional leadership to continue challenging industry norms and adapting to the ever-changing world of technology and innovation faced by law firms and professional service firms around the world in order to deliver excellence for the benefit of our people and our clients.”