International law firm CMS has appointed Owen Ross as a partner in the financial services team, based in London. Ross joins CMS from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom, where he was a member of the global financial institutions practice.
Ross’ practice focuses on transactions involving insurance companies, reinsurance and regulatory matters in the life and non-life sectors. He has represented a range of insurance companies including Sompo International, Liberty Mutual Group, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co, Phoenix Group Holdings and funds managed by Stone Point Capital on numerous multi-billion pound transactions and mergers. In 2019, Ross was recognised by Chambers as an ‘Associate to watch’.
Ash Saluja, head of financial services and products at CMS UK, comments: “I am delighted to welcome Owen to CMS – both his valuable experience and fresh perspective are a welcome addition to the firm. Not only does Owen’s appointment further strengthen our market-leading risk transactions offering led by Thom Lockley and Jenny Nanalal, it also supports our M&A and transactional capabilities in the insurance market where Owen will work alongside Chris Southorn, Dipesh Santilale and Helen Johnson. With other recent lateral partner hires in the Financial Services team such as Laura Houet, Angela Greenough and Elisabeth Bremner, we have one of the largest financial services teams in the City with both depth of experience and breadth of capability.”
Commenting on his appointment, Ross adds: “I am delighted to join CMS and look forward to the diverse range of matters on which I will be working. Thanks to the high profile of CMS financial services, the firm is regularly instructed to advise on some of the most complex and innovative transactions – and I am excited to get started.”
CMS UK’s financial services team has over 60 lawyers combining transaction, advisory and contentious work. CMS has been recognised by the leading legal directories as a top tier financial services firm and the team is noted by clients as being “very commercial, [they] cut to the chase and identify key issues – they are absolutely excellent.”
