Ashurst loses Brussels head to Simmons

London-headquartered law firm Simmons & Simmons has hired Carl Meyntjens as partner and Kelly Cherretté as counsel.

Both will join the firm’s corporate and commercial team on 1 December from rival law firm Ashurst.

Meyntjens joined Ashurst as a partner in 1998 and has served as managing partner of the firm’s Brussels office for almost 10 years. He advises Belgian and international corporates, private equity funds and financial institutions. He has experience in corporate and financial law, mergers and acquisitions, private equity and corporate and acquisition finance.

Cherretté has worked at Ashurst for over five years. She specializes in commercial contracts and public–private partnership projects, including related litigation. Both are members of the Brussels bar.

“This is a stellar team with a widely renowned reputation and expertise in local and cross-border transactions, both in Belgium and abroad,” Koen Platteau, head of the firm’s Brussels office said in the statement. “Their combined expertise complements that of our existing team and enhances our Benelux and European offering in corporate and finance for our clients.”

Following the departure Ashurst has restructured its office in Brussels, appointing corporate lawyer Arnaud Wtterwulghe as office managing partner and EU and Italian-focused antitrust lawyer Denis Fosselard as head of Brussels.

“Arnaud and Denis will make a very strong management team. The commitment and dedication they will bring to their roles will significantly enhance our business, strengthen our offering and maximise opportunities,” said a spokesperson for Ashurst.