The London-based COO begins her term on 1 February
Baker McKenzie has named global director of operations Kate Stonestreet as the firm’s new global COO.
Stonestreet began working with Baker McKenzie in 1995 as part of the Hong Kong office. Since then, she has taken on various roles, including EMEA regional operating officer, HK/PRC/Vietnam COO and APAC business development director.
As global director of operations, she has been responsible for providing strategic oversight to Baker McKenzie’s Manila, Belfast, Buenos Aires and Tampa centres. She also played a significant role in the launch of the firm’s branches in Casablanca, Dubai, Istanbul and Johannesburg,
Presently, Stonestreet co-heads the firm’s social mobility program, and is part of both the global diversity and inclusion committee and the global race and ethnicity task force.
In her new position, she will supervise the firm’s business services functions and its internal business services transformation project, which she helped develop and implement. Stonestreet will also collaborate with global chair Milton Cheng and the firm’s executive committee in implementing the firm’s strategies, concentrating on Baker McKenzie’s clients and people.
“This will leverage the firm's global footprint and the investments we have made in innovation and sustainability to reinforce our leading position as a diverse and inclusive workplace committed to our clients, people and the communities in which we work,” the firm said.
Stonestreet, who has been operating from London since 2004, will step in the role on 1 February.
“Coming from a small village in Yorkshire in the North of England and joining the firm in a relatively junior role in Hong Kong, I am a story of what is possible at Baker McKenzie,” Stonestreet said. “As a firm, we are in a strong position as we emerge from the pandemic – with loyal clients, connected global teams and the drive to excel. This is an exciting time, and we face both opportunities and challenges as we emerge from the crisis, but I believe we are strongly positioned for the future and I look forward to playing a central role in ensuring our future success.”
Cheng congratulated Stonestreet on her ascension to global COO.
“Throughout her career with the firm, Kate has been an inspiring leader and a highly effective professional. Having known her for more than 20 years, I can say with assurance that I know she represents the very best of Baker McKenzie. I look forward to working even more closely with Kate in the coming months and years to drive our global firm strategy forward,” Cheng said.
