March 29, 2011 3:28 PM

Citi Names Former Clifford Chance Senior Partner Vice-Chair of EMEA Banking

Posted by Chris Johnson

Financial services giant Citigroup Inc. on Tuesday appointed former Clifford Chance senior partner Stuart Popham as vice-chair of banking for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Popham, who was at the helm of Clifford Chance from 2003 to 2010, will be responsible for strengthening Citigroup's relationships with U.K. large-cap clients, according to a statement announcing his move. He will join Cit's London office in July.

"Stuart's hire is a key appointment for Citi as we continue to build out our U.K. business," Philip Robert-Tissot, Citigroup's head of U.K. broking and banking said in a statement. "He brings an array of top-tier relationships, forged during his 34 years at Clifford Chance, as well as global expertise in finance and securities."

Popham first joined Clifford Turner as a trainee in 1976--11 years before its merger with Coward Chance. In 1981, he relocated to Asia to help launch Clifford Chance's Singapore office, before returning to London in 1984, when he was promoted to partner. His reputation as a top deal lawyer grew through his work on several landmark transactions, including the management buyout of furniture retailer MFI in 1989 and the restructuring of insurance market Lloyds of London in 1997.

Popham was promoted to lead the London finance and securities group in 1992, and was appointed head of the Magic Circle firm's global finance practice in 1999. Popham was elected global senior partner of Clifford Chance in 2003, winning a contested election against five other senior partners. He was replaced as senior partner last year by fellow London finance partner Malcolm Sweeting.

"This is fantastic recognition for Stuart," says Sweeting. "We're extremely proud to see him taking on such an important role at one of our most valued clients. We wish him the very best of luck in his new position."

Popham continues to serve as a member of the CBI International Advisory Board, vice-chairman of the CBI London Council, chairman of financial services lobbying group TheCityUK, and as a council member of The Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House). He also works as an International Envoy for London, and has accompanied Prime Minister David Cameron on various foreign delegations.

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