CMS has appointed Isabel Scholes as Executive Director, who will take up this important role at the firm from 1 October 2021. The former CMS Director of Business Development, Marketing and Communications will succeed Matthias Lichtblau, who has held this position since 2013. 

As Executive Director, Isabel Scholes will have overall responsibility for all operational functions of the CMS Legal Services EEIG, the central service unit for all CMS member firms. In turn, Scholes will join the CMS Executive Team, working closely with Chairman Pierre-Sébastien Thill and Duncan Weston, the firm's Executive Partner.

Isabel Scholes joined CMS in 2011, having previously worked at Reuters as head of news marketing in EMEA. In her current role at CMS, she works closely with the Executive Team on strategic projects and is a member of the CMS Sustainability Committee. With an international team of 35 people, she has led several key initiatives such as the restructuring of the international business development team, the creation and launch of the new CMS brand, the implementation of digital marketing campaigns and the introduction of global CSR initiatives.

Regarding the appointment of the first female Executive Director of CMS, Pierre-Sébastien Thill announced the following words:

“I am delighted that Isabel has agreed to take on the role as Executive Director. This change comes at a time when firms have to adapt to a new business and working environment. So, we are particularly glad that someone with Isabel’s experience in business development, marketing and communications as well as her excellent knowledge of the professional services and B2B sectors will be joining our management team, bringing a fresh perspective to the role.”