Allen & Overy announces new U.S. COO and practice leadership appointments

Working closely with newly appointed U.S. Co-Chairs Karen Seward and Kent Rowey, Bethan will develop and oversee strategic business plans and will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the U.S. firm’s administrative functions and business services, while providing valuable counsel on firmwide decisions. Bethan has been with A&O for more than ten years and previously served as the UK Chief Financial Officer.

“I am thrilled to congratulate Bethan on her noteworthy role at the firm. I look forward to her leadership as she helps drive our business forward in the U.S.,” said Karen Seward, incoming Allen & Overy U.S. Co-Chair. “Bethan’s appointment is a natural next step in Allen & Overy’s substantial growth efforts across the country as we continue to build on our strong foundation and pursue further expansion.”

In addition to the COO role, U.S. leadership appointments include:

• John Hwang to U.S. Head of International Capital Markets (ICM), which encompasses the General Securities Group, Securitization, Derivatives and Structured Finance, and Financial Services Regulatory sub-practices. John’s expertise lies in configuring innovative structures that involve structured finance products for numerous clients. Additionally, he advises clients in connection with asset purchases and dispositions and aviation finance. John was noted as a Ranked Lawyer in Capital Markets: Securitization: ABS by Chambers USA.
• Bill Schwitter to U.S. Head of the Corporate practice, which encompasses Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Equity, Antitrust, Employment and Benefits, Environmental Climate and Regulatory Intellectual Property, and Technology Law. Bill advises clients on complex corporate and M&A issues in a variety of industries, including technology, media and entertainment, hospitality, consumer retail, telecommunications and manufacturing.
• Jake Mincemoyer to U.S. Head of the Banking practice, which encompasses the LevFin, General Lending and Restructuring sub-practices. Jake brings more than 20 years of experience in the leveraged lending market, and he previously served as Head of the U.S. Leveraged Finance group. He represents major commercial and investment banks as well as private credit funds and corporations. Jake has been recognized by Chambers USA as a Leading Individual in Banking and Finance.
• Dorina Yessios and Dan Sinaiko to U.S Co-Heads of the Americas Projects, Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure group. The two will continue to grow this area following former practice leader Kent Rowey, who has since been appointed to U.S. Co-Chair. Dorina and Dan are both recognized by Chambers USA and Legal 500 as experts in their fields. Dorina advises on energy and infrastructure transactions across the Americas, while Dan handles acquisitions, developments and debt and equity transactions, as well as energy focused transactions. They both represent a range of investment funds and global energy companies. Additionally, Dorina will lead the Latin America practice. 

“As exceptional lawyers and as members of our firm community, John, Bill, Jake, Dorina and Dan have all contributed significantly to our firm's success,” commented Kent Rowey, incoming Allen & Overy U.S. Co-Chair. “I wish them a heartfelt congratulations and I look forward to watching them reach new heights and propelling our practice groups forward as we focus on continued growth in the U.S.”