DLA Piper announces new Country Managing Partner in Luxembourg

Global law firm DLA Piper has appointed Xavier Guzman as Country Managing Partner for Luxembourg, effective 1 May 2024. Xavier will succeed Catherine Pogorzelski who has successfully led DLA Piper’s Luxembourg office since its inception, as the firm marks 10 years in the location. The announcement comes after the relocation of the office in early April to a new central Luxembourg address.

Xavier, who leads the Finance practice in Luxembourg, joined DLA Piper in 2015, having spent his formative years in practice in international firms between Paris, Luxembourg, Hong Kong and New York. At DLA Piper Xavier has built an impressive practice, advising on significant cross-border banking, finance and restructuring matters across major banks, financial institutions and corporates in a host of sectors. Recognised consistently through his career with industry commendations noting Xavier as a ‘rising star’, a ‘next generation partner’, a ‘notable practitioner’ and a ‘recommended leader’, he was chosen to lead the Luxembourg Finance group since 2017 with his promotion to partner.

Catherine has successfully led DLA Piper’s Luxembourg office since 2014. Rooted in the strategic importance of Luxembourg as a preeminent global financial destination, the office has since grown to one of Luxembourg’s top 10 firms by resource with a team of 100 people, with prominent Investment Management and Funds, Finance, Restructuring, Capital Markets, Corporate, Litigation and Regulatory, Insurance, IPT and Tax practices.

Catherine will maintain an active role in DLA Piper Luxembourg’s leadership as a senior partner and continue to advise and support fund managers and investors with their growth projects from Luxembourg.

Catherine Pogorzelski comments: “Leading DLA Piper’s Luxembourg office through a decade of growth has been incredibly fulfilling. As I reflect on the cultivation of the robust office, its dynamic teams, and effective leaders I feel a deep sense of pride. Passing the baton to Xavier, I will be turning my focus to international projects while continuing to maintain close ties with clients. Having worked closely with Xavier since he joined our firm, I am certain he will maintain our momentum and elevate our team to new heights.”

Xavier Guzman comments: “I’m both honoured and excited to be leading this new chapter for our Luxembourg team, and the integral role they play in DLA Piper’s global platform. I am thankful to each partner and each member of our team for this unique opportunity. Catherine has successfully steered the office to a fantastic place. While our view from the office has changed with our new home, our outlook remains unchanged, delivering long-lasting value for our clients through bold solutions, close client partnerships, and a 360° approach. We will maintain the growth mindset and “stronger together” attitude which are fundamental to our innovation, and continue to strengthen our connections with the local and international community to drive forward our practices.”

Jan Meents, Managing Director UK & Europe at DLA Piper, comments: “Catherine has had an impressive decade at the helm of our Luxembourg offering, and has our gratitude for the positive contribution her leadership has made. The location plays a key strategic role at the centre of many complex, cross-jurisdictional matters, alongside an impressive roster of domestic clients, and I look forward to seeing Xavier’s contribution to our Luxembourg team’s continued success.”