Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has appointed Aviva Investors managing director Anup Kollanethu to head its new operations in Manchester.
Kollanethu will oversee the law firm’s combined business services and legal centre in Manchester.
The law firm has shortlisted four options for a 100,000 sq ft requirement in the city, and will transfer functions from its London base in Fleet Street.
Freshfields has taken 40,000 sq ft at Arndale House in Manchester from July 2015 as interim space.
Managing partner David Aitman said: “Anup’s extensive experience in building and managing shared services centres, together with his business and technology acumen, will be of great value to us in establishing our Manchester office. We are delighted to have him on board.”
He will work alongside corporate partner Gareth Stephenson, who is setting up the legal services operation in Manchester.
Kollanethu headed Aviva’s transformation and global shared services division.
