Linklaters has named M&A lawyer Simon Branigan as its new global head of corporate, replacing Aedamar Comiskey who is set to become the firm's next senior partner.

Branigan brings more than two decades of experience to the role, having joined the firm in 1998 and becoming a partner in 2009. His practice focuses on advising corporates, financial institutions and investment trusts on public and private M&A, joint ventures and equity capital markets transactions across a range of sectors, including mining, retail and oil and gas. He was also previously co-head of the firm’s banking team.

Comiskey said: “Simon is a market-leading deal lawyer alongside whom I have had the pleasure of working for over 23 years. He stands out for his commitment to recruiting and developing top talent and delivering excellent client service.”

Comiskey will be taking over as senior partner in July – the first female to hold that position in the firm’s near 200-year history. Given the new leadership direction, current managing partner Gideon Moore has decided to step down early, with the search for a new managing partner expected to be completed next month.

Moore said: “As a firm we have steered through the worst of the pandemic and are now ready to seize the opportunities ahead. With Aedamar’s election this month, we’re well set to keep looking forward, keep addressing the difficult questions and keep growing with confidence. I look forward to working with my successor, once appointed, to ensure this momentum continues.”

Moore will remain a partner at the firm and continue in his role as managing partner once his successor has been appointed to ensure a smooth transition.

Comiskey said: “I have hugely enjoyed working with Gideon during our time together on [the executive committee] and I know I will benefit from his advice and guidance over the coming weeks and months as I transition into the senior partner role.”

Last month, Ashurst elected its former UK corporate head Karen Davies as the firm’s first female chair, replacing Ben Tidswell who is leaving to become chairman of the UK’s Competition Appeals Tribunal. Also in May, Baker McKenzie named London corporate partner Jannan Crozier as its next global M&A chair, replacing Chicago-based Michael DeFranco.