HSF, Ashurst unveil new global C-suite appointments

Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) and Ashurst have unveiled two global C-suite appointments.

HSF revealed that Jo McConnell made the jump from Accenture this week to become the firm’s incoming global chief people officer, while ex-Hogan Lovells global head of business development and strategy Adam Soames commenced with Ashurst on Monday as chief business development officer.

McConnell takes on the CPO mantle as of 1 January 2025, managing HSF’s people and culture strategy. She succeeds Helen Anthony, who is set to retire after a tenure with the firm that has spanned more than a dozen years.

“Jo will lead our people and culture strategy globally – which brings insights and diverse perspectives from offices in almost 20 countries – and will support key growth areas for our clients, including: energy transition, private capital and AI and technology”, HSF global CEO Justin D’Agostino said. “We are intentionally investing in developing and acquiring skills in these growth areas, such as in generative AI, which will bring increased career opportunities for our people and stronger outcomes for our clients”.

He highlighted McConnell’s background in “digital and organisational transformation, high performance culture, as well as C-Suite leadership development”, confirming that McConnell would assist in spearheading the expansion of these capabilities worldwide. McConnell has worked in the professional services, energy, financial services and mining sectors for more than three decades; while at Accenture, she headed up the CEO Transformation practice spanning the company’s growth markets.

“I am joining this globally leading firm at a time when it is strengthening its investments in professional development and attraction of top talent, while embracing the opportunities presented by AI and rapid technological change”, McConnell said.

Adam Soames joins Ashurst

Meanwhile, Soames will helm the Ashurst’s clients, markets and growth function. He has nearly 30 years of experience in business development and marketing, as well as a background in strategic business transformation and operational management.

In addition to his near-17-year stint with Hogan Lovells, he also held roles with Deloitte, PwC, and Grant Thornton.

“Adam’s appointment to this leadership role is significant for our clients, markets and growth function. I’m excited to have Adam join Ashurst and look forward to integrating him into the firm to support our priority growth areas. Adam and I will work closely together to drive our 2027 strategy for our clients, evolve the function and achieve our ambitions for the firm”, Ashurst client and markets executive partner Jamie Ng said.

Soames started operating from the firm’s London office this week.