Holly Morrow appointed Hakluyt’s acting managing partner following Varun Chandra’s move into UK government July 2024

Holly Morrow, Hakluyt’s deputy managing partner, will lead the firm as acting managing partner while a new managing partner is elected. Holly joined us in 2015, and previously worked for the US government as National Security Council director for Asia.

This follows the news that Varun Chandra has stepped down from his position as managing partner after being appointed the prime minister’s special adviser on business and investment in the new UK government. Varun has been with us since 2014, and has been managing partner since 2019, overseeing a period of significant growth and expansion.

Hakluyt employs over 200 people in more than a dozen offices around the world, advising clients on some of the most consequential and high-profile opportunities and challenges facing business leaders, including M&A, strategy, shareholder perspectives, regulatory and policy issues, disputes, senior hires, digital and cyber, sustainability, and more. The firm’s client roster includes at least one of the top five corporations in every major sector globally; more than three quarters of the top 20 private equity firms in the world by assets under management; and some of the most respected sovereign wealth and pension funds.

Holly said: “I am honoured to be managing Hakluyt through this transition period, while we elect one of our excellent partners to lead the firm going forward. I have every confidence in our team around the world, and in the firm’s prospects. I know I speak for the whole firm in wishing Varun every success in his new role, and in thanking him for all he has done for Hakluyt during his time with us.”

Hakluyt’s chairman Lord Paul Deighton commented: “Varun has had a transformative impact during his ten years with Hakluyt, and especially as managing partner. His dynamism, charisma, understanding of business and politics, and advisory skills are second to none, and I have no doubt that he will make a major contribution to the UK in government. Hakluyt will shortly elect one of the firm’s very talented partners as Varun’s successor. In the meantime, I look forward to working with Holly Morrow, the firm’s excellent deputy managing partner, and the rest of the team.”

Varun added: “Running Hakluyt has been the greatest privilege of my professional life. Our clients around the world are among the most significant business leaders of our time, and our in-house team is unrivalled in its advisory expertise and connectivity. I’ve loved working with such a wonderful, kind group of people, drawn from an exceptionally diverse range of professional backgrounds – and I am immensely proud of everything we have achieved together.

“I can’t imagine leaving the firm for anything other than the opportunity to serve my country at the heart of government. I wish the team every success for the future – I’m sure Hakluyt will continue to go from strength to strength.”