Clifford Chance has announced that Alex Cook has been named the new Managing Partner of the firm's Prague office, effective as of May 1, 2014.
Alex takes over from Finance Partner Vlad Petrus, who, in addition to his existing Banking, Capital Markets, and Insolvency practice, will now also focus on building the office's growing Litigation and Dispute Resolution department.
Before joining Clifford Chance as counsel in 2005, Alex worked for Allen & Overy in London and Budapest. An English-qualified lawyer and head of the office's Corporate practice, Cook is experienced in M&A, private equity and joint ventures. Alex has been with CC in Prague since 2007, and has been based in the region for the last 15 years.
Outgoing Managing Partner Vlad Petrus, who established the Prague office in 1995 and was elected its Managing Partner in 1997, said: "After 17 years in charge, I am looking forward to new challenges and very pleased to be succeeded by Alex. With his unique background, being a truly international lawyer yet firmly embedded in both the Czech and regional markets, Alex is well placed to lead the Prague office successfully. In doing so, he will have full support not only of myself and the other Prague partners, but also of the rest of the Firm."
Cook is enthusiastic about the new role as well, commenting: "I am honored and excited to be assuming the role of Managing Partner at our office in Prague. Since I started in 2005 we have gone from strength to strength, building market leading practices serving clients in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, the broader CEE/SEE region and indeed globally. I aim to continue this trend, so that we lead the market in whatever we do by providing our clients with the very best service."