HGF appoints new CEO, announces leadership changes

HGF has made several changes to its leadership team, including the appointment of IP litigator Martyn Fish as its new CEO.

Prior to the role, Fish led HGF’s litigation and transactional IP team. He first joined the firm in 2004, was made partner in 2010 and has 21 years of experience in the IP industry.

Fish will replace Paul Sanderson who is retiring from the position after 17 years.

Fish’s initial responsibilities will include strengthening the firm’s European presence and promoting community engagement projects for D&I, sustainability and the science and technology community.

HGF Chair Jason Lumber said: “We are confident that under Martyn’s leadership HGF will continue to deliver high-quality services to clients and enable us to continue to deliver against the firm’s strategic goals.

Fish added: “On behalf of the whole firm I would like to thank Paul for his significant contribution. HGF has transformed as a business under his leadership.”

Fish’s prior role as head of the IP team will be filled by patent litigation partner Rachel Fetches.

Leadership changes

The firm also announced other changes to its leadership, including the promotion of senior partner Harry Hutchinson to the firm’s management board.

Hutchinson’s prior role as head of the electronics team will be filled by partner Chris Benson.

Finally, one of the firm’s patent litigators, Vannessa Stainthorpe, will assume the role of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) board sponsor.

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