Jon Kenworthy named International Group Head of DLA Piper's Corporate practice as Dr Benjamin Parameswaran joins the firm's Executive Committee

Global law firm DLA Piper today announces that effective 1 January 2025, and following Dr Benjamin Parameswaran's promotion to the firm’s Executive Committee, as Managing Director for Clients, Jon Kenworthy will succeed him as International Group Head and Global Co-Chair of the firm's Corporate practice.

Jon Kenworthy joined DLA Piper in 1997 and advises a range of clients across the tech, media, sports and real estate sectors on cross-border M&A. In 2022, Jon was appointed to lead the firm's UK Corporate practice, and prior to that was head of the London Corporate practice.

Sandra Wallace, Deputy Managing Partner and Managing Director for International Practice Groups commented: “We are grateful to Ben for all his excellent work, and I cannot think of a better successor to lead our Corporate practice. Our success stems from working collaboratively across borders, to deliver a creative and innovative service. It is no longer enough for lawyers to focus on one aspect of a transaction, we must be strategic business advisors, thinking holistically about what lies ahead to ensure we help our clients to succeed in the global economy. Jon has a global practice, is hugely respected throughout the firm and he is keen to continue the excellent progress we have made in our market leading Corporate Group.”

Jon Kenworthy added: “I'd like to thank Ben for his hard work and dedication in shaping the Corporate practice we have today. Under his leadership the practice has gone from strength to strength, delivering double digit growth and maintaining the firm’s position as the highest-ranked law firm in the world, the UK and Europe for M&A deal volume throughout his tenure. As I move into this role at such an exciting time, with a new International Managing Partner and Executive Committee, I will focus on ensuring our practice continues to leverage our experienced global team, helping clients to unravel complexity and unlock new ways to grow in a complex market environment.”

• DLA Piper was ranked as the #1 most active law firm for combined global deal volume in mergers & acquisitions, venture capital and private equity, according to PitchBook’s 2023 Annual League Tables Report.
• For the 14th consecutive year, DLA Piper is the highest-ranked legal advisor in the world for M&A deal volume, according to Mergermarket's league tables. Despite a down market for global M&A in 2023, DLA Piper continued to gain market share and completed more deals than any other firm in the world. The firm was involved in 1,062 transactions worldwide in 2023, valued at approximately USD60.6 billion.
• Our market leading global Corporate team are ranked across 95 departments and have achieved 143 individual rankings in the 2024 Chambers Global and Chambers Europe guides. This includes 5 new department rankings, 6 promotions and 22 new individual rankings and individual promotions.