“I would like to congratulate Phil and Kylie on their appointment and Karen on her reappointment to the board,” chairman Ben Tidswell said.

“They have extensive combined experience and their expertise, knowledge and leadership will be invaluable to our firm in addressing opportunities and challenges during this unprecedented time for the global economy and the legal sector.” 

Mr Breden is a partner in the corporate team in Sydney. Specialising in M&A and corporate advisory, Mr Breden advises large ASX-listed companies as well as US-based and European multinationals across a variety of sectors, with particular expertise in energy, utilities, construction and manufacturing. 

He has held a number of management roles including global co-head of corporate and head of region – Australia.

“I am proud to be elected to the board. I look forward to making a contribution at a time of significant opportunity for our global firm,” Mr Breden said on the appointment.

Ms Lane is a partner in the corporate team in Melbourne. She specialises in M&A, equity capital markets, corporate advisory and governance. 

Ms Lane has particular expertise in the energy, resources, built environment and infrastructure sectors, and has significant international M&A experience, including navigating Australia’s foreign investment laws. 

VIEW ALL

Ms Lane said she is looking forward to working with her colleagues to help the firm deliver on its vision to be the most progressive global law firm and to contribute to the firm’s success in a new capacity.

Karen Davies is UK head of corporate and has served on the board since 2017. 

Ashurst said she has been highlighted as one of the strongest female legal leaders in the city, with extensive experience in advising both corporate clients and investment banks on a full range of domestic and cross-border corporate finance transactions. Ms Davies specialises in M&A and equity capital markets work.

“Being re-elected to the board is a great honour and I look forward to continuing to represent the interests of the partners and staff at an exciting time for our firm,” Ms Davies said.

The board now comprises chairman Mr Tidswell (London), global managing partner Paul Jenkins (London/Sydney), partners Mr Breden (Sydney), Ms Davies (London), David Jones (London), Tobias Krug (Frankfurt) and Ms Lane (Melbourne), chief financial officer Mark Herbert (London) and independent board members Wu Gang and Robin Lawther.