Herbert Smith Freehills appoints new Regional Head of Finance

Herbert Smith Freehills has appointed Eric Fiszelson to the role of Regional Head of Practice for the firm's EMEA finance division.  

Eric, who has been a partner in the firm's finance practice since 2011 and is also Head of Business Development in France, takes over from Regis Oreal.  Based in Paris, his role will incorporate leadership of the practice across continental Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Eric acts for a broad range of clients including lenders, borrowers and sponsors on matters relating to transactional finance.  Recommended in Chambers Global and Legal 500 EMEA and described as bringing "in-depth knowledge and extremely valuable advice combined with efficient execution", he has assisted clients with the financing of special purpose vehicles designed to support environmental projects, the negotiation of acquisition financing of technology companies and the development of an investment fund in the leisure sector.

A lawyer with 20 years' experience Eric also brings a passion for innovation, design and change management to the role.  In his capacity as a partner in the firm's finance practice he has been actively involved in the development of artificial intelligence and design thinking projects developed to enhance client experiences.

Jason Ricketts, Executive Partner responsible for  Finance at Herbert Smith Freehills, says: "Eric brings cross-border experience that spans continents and so is the perfect fit to lead our practice across EMEA.  Clients value his commitment, pragmatism and determination to find solutions in the most difficult of circumstances.  His thirst for innovation and problem solving will ensure he is successful as he continues to develop the firm's finance practice across EMEA."

Commenting on his appointment, Eric says: "I am delighted and humbled to have been given the opportunity to head our practice across EMEA.  I look forward to building on the example set by Regis Oreal over the past five years and working with a team widely recognised for its talent and tenacity.  My aim is to foster a culture of innovation so that clients benefit from our combined appreciation of technology and our legal expertise, as it is only when these two areas are combined that it is possible to successfully negotiate the ever changing world in which we live."