Besen, who leads the firm’s German Antitrust practice, assumes the position from Brussels-based partner Thomas Vinje, who, after a stellar career advising on some of the world’s most complex antitrust matters, will continue to support the group while focusing his efforts more broadly on the firm’s global Tech practice and client base. Partner Richard Blewett will now lead the Brussels Antitrust team, having returned there in 2020 after several years based in London and Asia Pacific.
“Competition Law considerations continue to impact the way our clients approach risk and growth opportunities. This is as true locally as it is across jurisdictions. I am excited to join Sharis in this role as we connect our global network to navigate clients through their challenges,” said Besen.
“Marc has an extraordinary reputation handling numerous high profile global merger reviews and investigations before the European Commission and national antitrust authorities. In a market facing ever-increasing regulation and scrutiny, he brings significant experience in supporting international clients on antitrust compliance,” Pozen said.
Clifford Chance has significantly expanded its global Antitrust team across the network, with a particular focus on the US in recent years under partner Tim Cornell’s leadership. Brian Concklin was promoted to partner in May 2022, two months after life sciences and healthcare partner Leigh Oliver joined the team, and last year, former FTC staff attorney Elyssa Wenzel joined the firm. Former DOJ Antitrust Section Chief Peter Mucchetti joined in March 2020, and Sharis Pozen moved to Clifford Chance in 2019 from her role as VP, Global Competition Law and Policy at General Electric. Former Global Executive Counsel Competition Law & Policy at GE Electric Sue Hinchliffe also joined the firm as partner in London in 2021.
“As Marc takes on the co-chair role, the future looks bright for our growing global team as we integrate to provide seamless antitrust advice in a variety of areas, including global merger analysis, filings and clearance, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), global civil and criminal antitrust investigations and litigation, and antitrust counselling,” Pozen continued.
