Veteran corporate lawyer Wim Dejonghe has been appointed chair of the advisory board of investment bank Lazard in the Benelux, further extending his influence in the European M&A landscape.
Dejonghe, who stepped down in 2024 as senior partner of Allen & Overy (now A&O Shearman following its merger with Shearman & Sterling), has played a pivotal role in the international legal sector for decades. A West-Flemish native, he rose from the Belgian office to lead the global firm, steering it through years of growth and ultimately its landmark merger with Shearman.
Since leaving A&O Shearman, Dejonghe has remained active in business. He was recently appointed chairman of the board at insulation specialist Recticel and, together with former A&O co-leader David Morley, co-founded the boutique advisory firm Dejonghe & Morley, which counsels law firms and investors on strategic deals.
His new role at Lazard builds on his deep M&A expertise and longstanding connections in the Belgian and international markets. “I will continue to use my network in Belgium and my knowledge of mergers and acquisitions”, he said earlier this year when announcing his post-A&O career plans.
In recognition of his remarkable career, Dejonghe was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the M&A Awards Belgium 2024, honoring his impact on the Belgian and international dealmaking landscape. The jury praised his strategic insights, cross-border expertise and leadership in reshaping one of the world’s leading law firms.
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