Allen & Overy Names Interim Head in Wake of Price’s Sudden Exit

Allen & Overy has named its next global managing partner after the surprise departure of former managing partner Gareth Price.

The UK-founded law firm has appointed partner Khalid Garousha to an eight-month interim position.

Garousha is currently regional managing partner in the Middle East and Turkey and will retain that role, according to the firm’s statement Thursday. He will hold the global managing partner position until April 30, 2024, which was when Price’s term was due to end.

Price stepped down from the role earlier in July with Allen & Overy citing personal reasons for the decision.

Garousha was appointed to the position unanimously by the law firm’s board, its statement said. He has been at the firm for over 23 years, according to his LinkedIn profile. He was promoted to partner in 2004 and appointed to the regional management role in 2020.

The leadership disruption comes during a crucial time for the firm. It is planning to vote on its proposed merger with US law firm Shearman & Sterling in October, with both firms’ management currently undertaking meetings across various offices to discuss the proposals with their firms’ partnerships.

The firm announced in May that it had reached a deal to merge with Shearman. The combination requires the approval of at least 75% of partners at each firm.