“I’m both honoured and excited to be leading this new chapter for our Luxembourg team, and the integral role they play in DLA Piper’s global platform. Catherine has successfully steered the office to a fantastic place,” said Xavier Guzman on Monday as the new country managing partner for DLA Piper’s Luxembourg office, succeeding Catherine Pogorzelski, effective from 1 May 2024. Photo: DLA Piper

“I’m both honoured and excited to be leading this new chapter for our Luxembourg team, and the integral role they play in DLA Piper’s global platform. Catherine has successfully steered the office to a fantastic place,” said Xavier Guzman on Monday as the new country managing partner for DLA Piper’s Luxembourg office, succeeding Catherine Pogorzelski, effective from 1 May 2024. Photo: DLA Piper

Catherine Pogorzelski, having led DLA Piper’s Luxembourg office for a decade, hands over the reins to Xavier Guzman, who assumes the role of the new country managing partner, effective from 1 May 2024, announced the firm on Monday.

DLA Piper, a global law firm, has named as the new country managing partner for Luxembourg, starting from 1 May 2024, coinciding with the firm’s 10-year anniversary in grand duchy. Guzman will succeed , who has led DLA Piper’s Luxembourg office since its establishment.

Guzman, who has been leading the finance practice in Luxembourg, joined DLA Piper in 2015, after gaining experience in international firms across Paris, Luxembourg, Hong Kong and New York. During his time at DLA Piper, Guzman has established a strong track record in advising on cross-border banking, finance and restructuring matters for major banks, financial institutions and corporates across various sectors, the law firm stated in an announcement.

Pogorzelski, who has successfully guided DLA Piper’s Luxembourg office since 2014, will transition into a senior partner role while maintaining an active involvement in advising and supporting fund managers and investors with their growth projects.

Reflecting on her tenure, Pogorzelski remarked in the press statement, “Leading DLA Piper's Luxembourg office through a decade of growth has been incredibly fulfilling. Passing the baton to Xavier, I will be turning my focus to international projects while continuing to maintain close ties with clients. I am certain he will maintain our momentum and elevate our team to new heights.”

Guzman expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m both honoured and excited to be leading this new chapter for our Luxembourg team, and the integral role they play in DLA Piper’s global platform. Catherine has successfully steered the office to a fantastic place.” Looking ahead, he stated “We will maintain the growth mindset and ‘stronger together’ attitude which are fundamental to our innovation.”

Jan Meents, managing director UK and Europe at DLA Piper, commended Pogorzelski for her leadership over the past decade and expressed anticipation for Guzman’s contribution to the continued success of the Luxembourg team.

DLA Piper’s Luxembourg office has grown over the years, now comprising a team of 100 professionals across various practices including investment management and funds, finance, restructuring, capital markets, corporate, litigation and regulatory, insurance, IPT and tax.