Stephen Kensell, Latham & Watkins

Latham & Watkins has selected a new managing partner for its London office.

The firm's executive committee has appointed global vice chair of its banking practice Stephen Kensell as the office's managing partner, replacing Jay Sadanandan who had been in the role since 2015.

Though terms are flexible, the firm said in a statement that they typically run for between three and five years.

Kensell joined Latham in 2016 from Allen & Overy, where he had been a finance partner and had unsuccessfully run to become senior partner of the Magic Circle firm.

Rich Trobman, chair and managing partner of Latham, said in a statement: "Stephen is a highly respected practitioner who brings a wealth of leadership experience, business acumen, and sound judgment to the role. We have strong momentum in the City and globally, and Stephen and Catherine will continue to lead the office and drive forward our strategic priorities.

"Jay has served tirelessly and with distinction as office managing partner since 2015. She has done a spectacular job in every way and she has been instrumental in the office's growth and success.  Jay is a gifted mentor, forward-looking leader, and superb practice builder – skills that have made her a wonderful leader of our London office during a period of exciting and expansive growth in the City."

Since the beginning of Sadanandan's term, Latham's London office has grown by 40% to have a headcount of 450 lawyers and 100 partners. Employment partner Catherine Drinnan will continue to serve as the London deputy office managing partner.