Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP has elected Barbara Becker as the firm’s next chair and managing partner, effective May 1.  She succeeds Ken Doran, who has served as Chairman and Managing Partner since 2002. Becker is a corporate partner in Gibson Dunn’s New York office. For over a decade, she has served as co-chair of the firm’s M&A practice group.

“As the first woman to lead the firm, Barbara’s election is a momentous point in our firm’s history.  She is absolutely the right person to succeed me, and she will be an exemplary leader of Gibson Dunn,” said Doran.  “Barbara has a deep and abiding commitment to our culture, which is based on teamwork, collegiality, collaboration and mutual respect.  She is highly regarded and respected by her fellow partners, not only because she built an extremely successful M&A practice, but also because of her unqualified commitment to diversity and inclusion.”

“I am grateful and honored by the trust my partners have placed in me,” said Becker.  “I am looking forward to tackling these new challenges head on.  My priorities will be continuing Gibson Dunn’s track record of success through maintaining the growth of our global platform and safeguarding our culture of teamwork and collegiality.  It is our culture that distinguishes us and allows us to work seamlessly and collaboratively across offices and practices to best serve our clients.”