Baker McKenzie names Buenos Aires partner as healthcare global chair

Baker McKenzie has named Buenos Aires-based partner Vanina Caniza as the new global chair of its healthcare and life sciences group.

Caniza (pictured) takes over the role from Sydney-based Ben McLaughlin, and her appointment is part of the firm’s new global leadership announcements for some of its practice and industry groups, and which come into effect on 1 July 2020.

Caniza advises clients on a variety of corporate and commercial law matters, with extensive experience in corporate compliance, commercial agreements and mergers and acquisitions, and represents and advises Argentinian and foreign companies.

She has conducted several compliance investigations and has trained Argentinian subsidiaries of global companies in compliance matters, and focuses her practice on the life sciences and healthcare industry and has extensive experience on regulatory law and specialized knowledge of legal issues related to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry.

In other leadership announcements at the firm, London-based Matthew Dening is replacing Michael Foundethakis, based in Paris, as chair of banking & finance, while London-based Helen Bradley is taking over as the Firm’s capital markets chair, replacing Koen Vanhaerents in Brussels. Karen Guch, from the firm’s London office is also replacing London-based David Allen as global private equity chair, having previously acted as its regional chair in EMEA.

David Allen has been appointed head of corporate in London.

Commenting on these announcements, Baker McKenzie’s global chair Milton Cheng said, “I am delighted to welcome our new practice and industry group leaders to their positions. We have had plenty to be proud of this year despite the challenges we are all facing and I look forward to seeing how this new team will continue to drive our progress.”