A message from our Alumni Co-Chairs

Sarah James and Jonathan Hammond.
Partner sponsors and co-chairs
Hello from Hong Kong and London to our international alumni network.
We’re excited to see the connections growing during the year since we launched our refreshed alumni network. For the first time, we're both featured in this third edition. I, Jonathan, am mentioned in the new podcast episode with Othelia Langner, and Sarah had the pleasure of sitting down with Colin Passmore to look back on his extensive career.
Reflecting on where we are as a firm, Simmons, like many organisations, has been leaning into the new possibilities for how we work created by AI (Artificial Intelligence). Drew Winlaw’s interview on page two provides insights into what we’re doing internally and externally.
Until next time, enjoy reading, listening and watching.
Featured
Stories of excellence, progress and impact from your alumni network. Our regular alumni features for you to listen, watch and read.
Othelia Langner
In this new episode, Sophia Adams Bhatti (Head of Purpose and Impact) speaks to Othelia, a senior leader within Johnson & Johnson’s pharmaceutical business. In this delightful conversation, they talk about her time in South Africa, the UK, Russia and Kazakhstan. And discuss how people view pharmaceutical companies. Learn more about Othelia
Colin Passmore
In an extended Circle Back, former Senior Partner and now retired Simmons stalwart Colin speaks to Partner and Head of Adaptive Sarah James in a candid interview. Reflections on his love for Hong Kong, his career including some of the highs and lows, and the lessons learnt along the way.
Amsterdam alum Camilla’s unique approach to building a satisfying legal career.
Camilla Molino
Former financial services lawyer Funmi is on a mission to financially educate the nation.
Funmi Olufunwa
How does a COO spend a typical day? Nicky walks us through her busy day.
Nicky Lloyd
Jorge’s journey from Simmons Madrid office to senior lawyer at Pharma Mar.
Jorge Murillo
Arijit came back to Simmons in 2022. He speaks to us about starting his international career at Simmons, his experiences while away from the firm and how returning was “an easy yes”.
Arijit Tiwari
A snapshot of success
Who’s moved recently and where?
Join us in congratulating some recent moves within the Simmons community. We also share a few highlights from the firm’s most recent news, deals and activities.
Read on, and contact Simmons Alumni to send us any news you’d like us to publish in the next edition.
People on the move
A warm congratulations to the following for their recent career moves.
Michael Damianos
(Trainee, London, 2004-2006) has been appointed Minister of Health for Cyprus. His firm Michael Damianos & Co LLC continues to operate under interim leadership.
Joanna Hand
(Digital Business, Bristol, 2012-2018) has moved from Zip to Abnormal Security as Legal Director, EMEA.
Laurens Kamp
(Dispute Resolution, Amsterdam, 2009-2014) has moved from BrandLoyalty to L-founders of loyalty as Head of Licensing.
Carolin Glänzel
(Financial Markets, Frankfurt, 2011-2018) has moved from Norton Rose Fulbright to become Banking & Finance Partner at Gowling WLG.
Jake Venn
(Facilities, London, 1998-2024) has relocated to Helsinki with his family and is leaving Simmons after 26 years with the firm.
Anita Ribeiro
(CoComm PA, London, 1989-1998) has moved from Wates Group Ltd to Drive Forward Foundation as Head of Partnerships.
Finally, congratulations also to Caroline Hall (Financial Services, London, 2003-2010)! She remains at UBS in London, and was promoted to Managing Director in February.
Newsfeed recap
A spotlight on some of our firm news from the past six months. Hover to find out more.
Office moves
- We’re delighted to announce successful moves into new offices in Madrid, Paris and Singapore. Other office moves scheduled for 2024 are Dublin, Frankfurt, Munich to larger, modern spaces which will accommodate our expanded teams.
- We're opening a new office in Riyadh to strengthen our Middle East practice. Building on our strong presence in the region, the move will create the firm's first office in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Read more
In case you missed it: recent key publications
In these insightful pieces, we delve into the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the coming year, and explore how businesses can benefit from the evolving landscape of sustainability.
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