Dentons Elects Kate Barton as New Global CEO, Succeeding Elliott Portnoy

Keywords: Dentons, Global CEO, Kate Barton, Elliott Portnoy, EY, Leadership Transition

Overview

Dentons, the world’s largest global law firm, has announced the election of Kate Barton as the next Global CEO. Barton, who comes from EY where she had a distinguished 35-year career, will succeed Elliott Portnoy, the founding Global CEO, who has served since the firm’s inception in 2013.

Career Highlights of Kate Barton

EY Achievements:

• Held multiple executive leadership roles, including Global Vice Chair.
• CEO of Tax, Law, and People Advisory Services, leading a global workforce of 70,000 professionals and generating revenues in excess of $11 billion.
• Transformed EY’s global tax practice through strategic investments in people, technology, shared service centers, methods, processes, and M&A activity.

Professional Accolades:

• Named “Female Executive of the Year” by Women World Awards.
• Recognized as “Woman of the Year – Business Services” by the Stevie Awards.
• Honored as “Women of Influence” by the New York Business Journal.
• Serves on several boards, including All Stars National, Shanti Bhavan, The Ireland Funds Dinner Committee, Boston College Law Deans Advisory Council, and Boston University School of Management Advisory Council.

Educational Background:

• LLM in Taxation from Boston University School of Law.
• JD from Boston College Law School, Magna Cum Laude.
• BS in Business Administration from Boston University.

Transition Details

Timeline:

• Barton will join Dentons in early September for a transition period.
• She will officially begin her term as Global CEO on November 10, 2024, succeeding Portnoy, whose term ends on November 9, 2024.

Portnoy’s Legacy:

• Led Dentons to significant growth, serving clients in 167 locations across 82 countries.
• Established the firm’s “uniquely global, deeply local” approach to professional services.
• Elevated Dentons to be one of the best-known and most favorably regarded law firms.

Strategic Vision

Focus on Energy Security:

• The Budget announcements underline the emphasis on energy security as a priority, signaling a shift from last year’s broader ‘green growth’ pillar to a more focused approach on self-sufficiency in energy.

Energy Transition Pathway:

• Development of an official energy transition pathway, providing a stable long-term vision for India’s energy future.
• Introduction of an official taxonomy for climate finance to attract green capital flows.

Technology Priorities:

• Increased policy support for energy storage and nuclear energy.
• New policy to accelerate pumped energy storage and viability gap funding for battery energy storage systems.

Leadership Comments:

• Elliott Portnoy: Expressed full support for Barton, confident in her ability to lead Dentons to greater success.
• Kate Barton: Enthusiastic about Dentons’ pioneering business strategy and client offerings, and looking forward to collaborating with regional leadership.

Board’s Endorsement:

• Nicholas Howon Park, Non-Executive Chair of the Global Board, emphasized Barton’s commitment to redefining possibilities and shaping the future.

Appointment Process

The Global CEO appointment was led by the Global Board Talent & Governance Committee Chair, Gerald Singham, supported by the Firm’s Global Board and Global Advisory Committee. The process considered both internal and external candidates across all geographies.

Conclusion

Kate Barton’s appointment as Global CEO marks a significant leadership transition for Dentons. Her extensive experience in leading a complex, global professional service organization and her successful track record at EY position her well to drive Dentons forward. This transition underscores Dentons’ commitment to maintaining its leadership position in the global legal services market while continuing to innovate and adapt to the evolving landscape.

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