Gerry Pecht takes the helm on 1 January 2021
Norton Rose Fulbright’s (NRF) global head of dispute resolution and litigation has been appointed the firm’s new global chief executive beginning 1 January 2021.
Gerry Pecht has been leading the dispute resolution and litigation practice across NRF’s international offices for the past six years. He first joined the firm in 1980, working from its Houston office. He specialises in commercial litigation, particularly securities litigation and enforcement, energy litigation, internal corporate investigations, international litigation and arbitration.
Pecht has received recognition for his securities litigation expertise from Chambers USA and The Legal 500 United States. He made partner in 1987, and was named to NRF’s global executive committee in 2013.
“I am proud and honoured to be elected Norton Rose Fulbright’s global chief executive. Over the past ten years, we have built a global platform with exceptional lawyers serving valued clients in virtually every major business centre,” he said. “The quality of our people around the world enables us to collaborate on a truly global level. I look forward to building on our platform and taking our firm to the next phase of its evolution.”
Pecht will succeed current and inaugural global chief executive Peter Martyr, who has been at the helm since 2002.
“On behalf of the global business, I would like to thank Peter Martyr for the outstanding contribution he has made to the firm as its first global chief executive, and I am committed to continuing to build on the foundations laid by Peter,” Pecht said.
As global chief executive, Pecht said he aims to promote “unity and strategic alignment, emphasise our client service focus, utilise our technological and innovative advantages and optimise our financial performance.” He also plans to prioritise social engagement.
“Lawyers play a special role in society, and our firm must use its influence to fight racism, sexism and social injustice. Diversity and inclusion is a key focus for our firm and a cause I will continue to champion,” he said.
Martyr applauded Pecht’s appointment, citing his international experience.
“Gerry is a highly experienced business leader, with whom I have worked closely over the past eight years. Gerry is a US lawyer with a global personal and professional background, making him well equipped to drive the firm’s global business transformation strategy. The firm is in good hands, and I am certain it will flourish under his leadership,” Martyr said.
NRF Australia’s managing partner Alison Deitz also welcomed Pecht’s appointment and vision.
“I congratulate Gerry Pecht on his appointment as our incoming global chief executive. His vision for our global firm aligns with my priorities as leader in Australia, which include continuing to pursue excellence in client service, building a resilient and innovative firm for the future, and ensuring that creating opportunities for our people and fostering diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of everything we do,” Deitz said.
