CMS appoints Dr Hans Christoph Atzpodien as Of Counsel for Defence & Security
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Berlin/Hamburg – International law firm CMS has appointed Dr Hans Christoph Atzpodien as Of Counsel. Dr Atzpodien will join CMS on 1 January 2027, strengthening the firm’s Defence & Security Taskforce, led by Dr Harald W Potinecke and Dr Rainer Runte. Prior to joining CMS, Dr Atzpodien served for more than nine years as Chief Executive of the Federation of German Security and Defence Industries (BDSV). A qualified lawyer admitted to the Hamburg Bar who also holds a degree in political and administrative sciences, he previously served as CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems AG and subsequently as CEO of thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions AG.
CMS advises companies and public-sector clients in the defence and security sector across a broad range of legal areas, including national and cross-border M&A transactions, export control and foreign trade law, compliance, public procurement, ESG, financing and confidentiality. Dr Atzpodien’s appointment further strengthens CMS’s sector expertise and enhances the firm’s ability to combine legal advice with a deep understanding of the strategic, technological and industrial developments shaping the defence market.
Quotations:
Dr Harald Potinecke, Co-Head of the German Defence & Security Taskforce:
"In Dr Hans Christoph Atzpodien we are gaining an outstanding expert with in-depth knowledge of the security and defence sector. His in-depth knowledge of the market complements our legal expertise and builds on the practical advice we provide to clients on their complex investment, transformation and procurement projects."
Dr Rainer Runte, Co-Head of the German Defence & Security Taskforce:
"The requirements imposed on companies in the defence and security sector are complex. Dr Hans Christoph Atzpodien combines industrial experience with a deep understanding of the sector. This will allow CMS to tailor its advisory services even more precisely and effectively to its clients' challenges."
Dr Martin Vorsmann, Managing Partner Germany:
"Our clients require legal excellence, industry expertise and an international network for security and defence-related projects. Dr Hans Christoph Atzpodien brings these assets together and is a strong addition to CMS."
Dr Hans Christoph Atzpodien:
"CMS combines outstanding legal expertise with a deep understanding of the economic, technological and regulatory challenges facing the security and defence industry. I look forward to putting my many years of industry and leadership experience to use to provide clients with strategic guidance in an increasingly dynamic setting."
