No one wants an outdated leader hanging on, clearly past their prime. But equally, it can be a problem when an outgoing leader departs at the height of their success. This is the situation Allen & Overy finds itself approaching when the highly-regarded Wim Dejonghe stands down next spring. 

Dejonghe has occupied the role since May 2016, and was global managing partner for eight years before that. He recently picked up the lifetime achievement award at the British Legal Awards.