Dentons' Global Board of Directors and Global Advisory Committee have elected Susan Kelly as non-executive chair of the Global Council, effective November 10, 2025.
Susan is a banking partner in the firm's Edinburgh and London offices, and serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Dentons UK, Ireland and Middle East LLP and the firm's global board.
“I am excited to assume the role of non-executive chair and support Dentons as we prioritize the firm’s alignment and integration,” said Susan. “Dentons is positioned to provide support and solutions to its clients in more than 80 countries, and I plan to explore ways to incorporate client and leadership perspectives into the board for the benefit of all.”
In her new role, Susan will chair the meetings of the Global Council, the Global Advisory Committee and the Verein General Assembly, ensuring that all bodies fulfill their responsibilities and comply with applicable laws and regulations.
After thanking Nick Park, the current non-executive chairman, for his service, Kate Barton, Global CEO, said, “I am delighted to welcome Susan as our new non-executive chair of the Global Board. Susan has been an integral part of Dentons for many years. We will all benefit from her extensive legal and industry experience as we continue to deliver exceptional client service. She is a seasoned and dynamic professional, and I am confident that she will play a key role in overseeing the operation of the Global Board as we guide the firm toward an ever-prosperous future.”
Susan joined Dentons Scotland (formerly Maclay Murray & Spens) in 1991 and became a partner in 1998. She has experience across a wide range of sectors, including food and beverage, manufacturing, technology, and real estate. She also possesses expertise in all aspects of corporate lending, acquisition finance, and property finance, both domestically and internationally.
Susan has been ranked as a Band 1 Finance expert by both Chambers and Legal 500 over the years. She is also a member of the Legal 500 Hall of Fame, and Chambers has named her an Eminent Professional, an accolade given to lawyers with significant influence in their field. Chambers referred to Susan as a “distinguished professional, praised for her involvement in major transactions.” Her external experience includes serving on the University of Strathclyde Council and its Investment and Innovation Committee, where she helped establish a governance framework and led the university to achieve third place in investment returns, behind only Cambridge and Oxford, in the UK rankings.
