Hunton & Williams Announces Changes to Leadership on Executive Committee, Practices and in London Office

Hunton & Williams LLP begins its new fiscal year with several changes in key leadership roles. The firm proudly recognizes these talented individuals for their accomplishments and outstanding client service focus.

Executive Committee. George C. Howell III will succeed F. William Brownell as chair of the firm’s executive committee. Brownell will serve as vice-chair of the committee through this new fiscal year, working closely with Howell.

“Our executive committee chair should be someone who exemplifies our core values,” said Managing Partner Wally Martinez, “As was the case with Bill, and with the partners who preceded him in that role, George has demonstrated this commitment over a long and distinguished career.”

Howell has served as head of Hunton & Williams’ tax and employee benefits practice. He is the immediate past chair of the American Bar Association’s Section of Taxation, the nation’s largest professional association of tax lawyers with a membership of 16,000 lawyers.

In addition to this executive committee change, the firm is moving several talented lawyers into new leadership roles to drive the firm’s continuing success and next phase of growth.

Adds Martinez: “I also thank the lawyers transitioning from these positions for their valuable contributions, their governance and dedication to Hunton & Williams.”

Tax and ERISA Practice.  Cecelia Philipps Horner will succeed George C. Howell III as head of the tax and ERISA practice. Howell said, “Ceily is a first-rate tax lawyer with a national reputation. She has demonstrated strategic thinking with respect to our tax and ERISA practice throughout her distinguished career.”

Corporate Practice.  Thomas Y. Hiner and Randall S. Parks will succeed T. Justin Moore III as co-heads of the corporate practice, with Susan S. Failla continuing to serve as the practice’s administrative partner.  Moore said, “Tom and Randy bring a wealth of experience to their new positions. Their and Susan’s commitment to building our practice and knowledge base is inspiring.”

Labor and Employment Practice.  Emily Burkhardt Vicente and Kevin J. White will succeed Gregory B. Robertson as co-heads of the labor and employment practice. Robertson, who led the practice for many years, said, “Emily and Kevin will work tirelessly to move our practice forward. ”

Richmond Office.  T. Justin Moore III will succeed John D. O’Neill Jr. as Richmond Office Managing Partner. O’Neill, who was the first to serve in this position, said, “In Jay, the firm gets someone who is rightly recognized for his business competencies, innovative perspectives, and active  involvement and strong commitment to the Richmond community.” O’Neill will continue to serve in his role as founding head of the firm’s P3 practice group and has been named as co-head of the business practice group, where he will provide strategic advice and counsel in practice matters. 

London Office.  Aaron P. Simpson will succeed Bridget Treacy as London Office Managing Partner. Treacy said, “Aaron has been a leader of our global privacy and cybersecurity practice for many years, first in New York and now in London. His perspective and experience developing the firm’s renowned global privacy and cybersecurity practice over the past decade will be instrumental to our continued growth in London.”