Simmons adopts more London-centric hierarchy

Two of Simmons and Simmons' international practice group heads have stepped down in a company-wide shake up which has seen the roles move to the City.

Two of Simmons and Simmons' international practice group heads have stepped down in a company-wide shake up which has seen the roles move to the City.

The shake up saw corporate chief Damon Le Maitre-George, based in Hong Kong, and information communications and technology (ICT) head Job Rietkerk in Rotterdam stand down to take roles in their respective departments.

Both roles have been taken on by employees in the City of London, creating a more centralised operation for the company.

A spokesman for the company denied that it was looking to create a centralised operation, however: "All the IPG heads are in London. That's not through any planned design but when looking for the partner who is best placed to lead an international team, it is natural to choose someone who has experience of managing and leading a large practice domestically.

"More often than not, that is in London."

Le Maitre-George is to focus the company's resources on China, and will be better placed to do so in his new role, one London partner explained.