CMS Appoints New Head of Energy Group

Frankfurt, 26 June 2019 – CMS, the leading global law firm, has today announced that Munir Hassan has been appointed to Head of the CMS Energy Sector Group. He will be replacing Robert Lane, who has led the group since its inception 15 years ago.

Munir is currently Head of Clean Energy at CMS, based in London. In his new role, Munir will oversee a global team of over 300 lawyers collaborating across 33 jurisdictions and advising clients in all aspects of the sector, including oil & gas, power and electricity.

Munir has worked at CMS for 21 years, joining in 1997. He played an integral role in the origin and growth of the firm’s clean energy practice, which is now the largest in Europe, with a vast portfolio of low carbon projects. The practice has spearheaded innovation in the sector, having advised on over 20 offshore wind projects including the only two commercial scale floating projects in the world, creating brand new technologies only possible after legal and commercial challenges were overcome.

Munir Hassan, Partner, commented, “The energy landscape is constantly evolving and presents manifold opportunities for governments and companies across the world. But competition is fierce. Companies face increasing regulation, political uncertainty, technological disruption and scrutiny on their climate agendas.

“Our energy practice is well placed to help clients navigate this changing landscape, aided by our deep sector focus and team of dedicated specialists. We’ve grown to be a leading brand in this space, and I’m determined that we will be a driving force in future market debate, whether that be in power, oil and gas or emerging technologies. I’m excited to see what the future holds for us.”

Munir takes over the position from Robert Lane, who has been a Partner at the firm for over 25 years. Under Robert’s leadership, the CMS Energy Group was among the first to advise on ground-breaking oil and gas projects and trans-national pipelines, establish a single electricity market in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and lead historic electricity reform in Mexico. The Group has continued to develop its cross-jurisdictional practices, advising on the GBP 1.4bn Western Link interconnector project, which drew advice from teams in Germany, Italy, France and the UK.

Robert will now focus his efforts on developing the Energy Practice across the CMS UK, CEE, MENA, Singapore and Brazil offices, which operates alongside the global CMS group. He will also continue his role as a member of the CMS Council.

Robert Lane, Partner, commented,“The energy sector has changed dramatically over the last 15 years. It has been a privilege to guide the CMS Energy Group during that time, establishing it as a truly cross-border practice. Our practitioners, many of whom are leaders in this field, work together globally to deliver the largest and most cutting-edge projects in the sector for our clients.

“Munir has been intrinsically involved in the Group’s activities over the past two decades. I have every confidence that he will build on these developments and take the Group even further, helping to shape best-practice in the sector.”