Eversheds Sutherland names Keith Froud and Lino Mendiola as co-chief executives
Eversheds Sutherland has announced that Keith Froud and Lino Mendiola as the firm’s new co-chief Executives, who will take office in the second quarter of 2025.
Keith Froud has been elected as chief executive-elect of Eversheds Sutherland (International). The election was uncontested. Froud is currently managing partner of Eversheds Sutherland (International), a role he has held since May 2017. Previously, he was head of corporate and commercial from 2011-2017. Froud will commence his four-year term as chief executive on May 1, 2025, succeeding Lee Ranson at the completion of his two terms in the role. He commented, “I am proud to have been elected as the next chief executive of Eversheds Sutherland (International). The firm has never stood still, and continues at pace on its very strong trajectory of growth and success. The opportunity to build on this and create even greater success for our firm, our clients and our people is huge and I am eager to press this forward in my new role. In addition, I am delighted to be working with Lino Mendiola as global co-CEO and, together with our wider leadership team, driving forward our firmwide strategy.”
Lino Mendiola was elected chief executive-elect of Eversheds Sutherland (US) by the US partnership earlier this year. His election was uncontested and followed an extensive nominating process. Prior to his election, he served as the co-head of global energy and the US practice group leader for energy. He will commence his four-year term on April 1, 2025, succeeding Mark Wasserman at the completion of five terms as managing partner and co-CEO. Lino also served as a member of the US Executive Committee for a term of four years from 2019 to 2023. He said, “I am honored to have been elected by the US partnership as the next chief executive of Eversheds Sutherland (US). Our clients are at the heart of everything we do, and I am committed to continuing our tradition of excellence in service and innovation. I am thrilled to be working with Keith Froud as global co-CEO and together with our clients, partners, and Executive leadership team, I look forward to building on our successes and driving our firm forward to achieve new heights.”
Lee Ranson, Eversheds Sutherland (International) CEO comments, “Keith has been an outstanding managing partner over the past seven years, and I have every confidence in his ability to lead the firm in this next period. His extensive leadership qualities and experience and strategic vision and drive made him the natural choice for the role. It has been a great honor to lead this fantastic firm and I look forward to seeing it continue to flourish in the future.”
Mark Wasserman, Eversheds Sutherland (US) CEO commented, “Lino has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities and a deep commitment to our clients and firm since he joined us nearly a decade ago. I am confident Lino will guide the firm through the next period of growth and innovation with the same dedication and vision that has defined his career. Leading the firm for the last 20 years has been the most rewarding experience of my professional life and I am deeply grateful for the support and trust of our clients, partners and firm colleagues.”
Eversheds Sutherland has also appointed partners Keri Rees and Helen Thomas to serve as managing partners of the International business and Adam Cohen as executive partner of the US business. Rees is currently head of corporate and commercial and Helen Thomas is European managing partner. Cohen is currently the co-chair of the Eversheds Sutherland Global Board.
