Law firm Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) has revealed that partner Alexia Hatzimichalis has become the new head of its Athens office.
The UK-headquartered company said the leader of its assets and structured finance team in the Greek capital is taking over from George Paleokrassas, who was named as WFW's global senior partner in early December.
The law firm describes Hatzimichalis as "highly respected".
She joined in 2001 and made partner in 2014. The lawyer qualified in England and Wales, originally as a barrister and then as a solicitor.
Hatzimichalis advises on a wide range of ship-finance matters for clients including Greek and international banks, other financial institutions and shipowning groups, and US-listed companies.
WFW was the first international law firm to open an office in Athens and is now the largest international law firm in the country.
Change taking place in February
Paleokrassas takes on his new role on 1 February.
He said he was "delighted that Alexia’s long-standing commitment to the firm and our people as well as her abilities as a leader and unifier have been recognised with her appointment as our new Athens office head.
"I have had the privilege of leading WFW Athens over the years and overseeing its significant expansion. The office and our people are very dear to my heart and so I am pleased to leave them in Alexia's very capable hands."
Hatzimichalis said she was deeply honoured to have been chosen, "especially following such a long-standing, successful and highly respected predecessor as George".
"I look forward to working with everyone in Athens to maintain a sustainable business and ensure the further growth of the firm," she said.
Paleokrassas' election as senior partner is part of a change to the leadership and governance structure that has also involved partner Lindsey Keeble being appointed managing partner of WFW.
Keeble and Paleokrassas will serve five-year terms.
The shake-up means the end of the previous practice of having joint managing partners. The company currently lists Chris Lowe and Lothar Wegener as managing partners.
Global maritime co-head Paleokrassas, a partner at present, has led the firm's Athens office since 2005.
