The new CFO held senior finance positions at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe and Crowell & Moring
Baker McKenzie has appointed a new CFO in William M. Washington III, former CFO (Americas) at Hogan Lovells.
“After an extensive search, we have found a fantastic leader and finance professional in William. His deep experience, collaborative approach and strategic thinking make him an ideal candidate to help drive the next phase of our growth,” Baker McKenzie global chair Milton Cheng said.
Washington has recorded tenures with several leading international law firms, holding senior finance positions at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe and Crowell & Moring. He also took on leadership roles in Accenture and Fannie Mae.
“Baker McKenzie is already in a strong financial position, with growing and diversified revenue streams, prudent cost and cash management, and a clear strategic vision for the next five years. I look forward to joining the firm's global leadership team to help drive this strategy forward, while continuing to build an industry leading finance function,” he said.
The firm explained that Washington has concentrated on implementing strategies to “drive sustainable profitability, minimize operational risk, increase efficiency, and improve enterprise-level reporting” in order to bolster financial performance.
“After a strong FY21, it is vital that we build on our momentum, whilst retaining the financial discipline that has helped us to navigate the pandemic. This appointment is an important step in that journey,” Cheng said.
Washington commenced with Baker McKenzie this week, working from Washington DC.
