Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance appoints first Chief Risk & Compliance Officer

Leading international law firm, Clifford Chance has today announced the appointment of Bahare Heywood as the firm's new Chief Risk and Compliance Officer. The role, which is new to the firm, reflects Clifford Chance's commitment to put responsible business practice at the heart of how it operates. Bahare is currently Head of International Compliance at Clifford Chance.

Chris Perrin, Clifford Chance Executive Partner and General Counsel commented, "Like all complex global businesses, we face a wide range of risks across our organisation and an ever more demanding regulatory environment. We have a track record of leading the market in taking concrete steps to anticipate, mitigate, address and manage those risks and expectations through robust policies and processes. The creation of this new position reflects our desire to embrace best practice from other sectors and to establish new benchmarks for the legal industry. I am delighted that Bahare will take on this role: she has the in-depth understanding of the firm and our operating environment and a sharp awareness of client needs. She will do an excellent job."

Clifford Chance believes that it is the first major global law firm to establish a Chief Risk & Compliance Officer whose role will encompass such a broad range of responsibilities. In her new position, Bahare will oversee the firm's Enterprise Risk Management Framework; act as the Firm's Data Privacy Officer; and, continue to drive implementation of Clifford Chance’s global compliance programme covering its wide regulatory and legal obligations. Bahare will also work closely with the firm’s cyber security specialists to ensure information security remains a priority area of focus.

Bahare Heywood commented, "Building trust amongst our stakeholders and maintaining their confidence is absolutely critical to the future success of our firm. We know that for clients a broad range of questions around ethics, risk management, information and data security are increasingly important. This goes beyond regulatory compliance to often nuanced and complex issues of ethics and standards. To address these concerns requires firm-wide engagement and dialogue where individuals at all levels understand the role that they can play, as well as policies and processes set centrally."