K&L Gates Appoints Stacy Ackermann, Rick Giovannelli, And Michael Caccese To Leadership Roles

K&L Gates Appoints Stacy Ackermann, Rick Giovannelli, and Michael Caccese to Leadership Roles

Global law firm K&L Gates LLP has announced the appointment of Stacy Ackermann as its new Global Managing Partner, effective July 1, 2025. The firm has also appointed Rick Giovannelli as Co-Chair of the Management Committee, who will succeed Michael Caccese as Chair after Caccese steps down from firm leadership on June 30, 2026. These leadership changes come as current Global Managing Partner Jim Segerdahl prepares to conclude his second term.

Ackermann, who joined K&L Gates in 2012, leads the firm’s global Finance practice and has served on its Management Committee for six years. She is highly regarded for advising lenders and stakeholders in complex credit and financial market transactions.

Ackermann said, “It is a privilege to succeed Jim as Global Managing Partner and I’m ready to build upon the solid foundation he helped establish to deliver new opportunities for our global team and clients. I am committed to strengthening our position in the marketplace, developing and empowering our vast array of talent, and exploring new ways to bring value to our client relationships. I am deeply appreciative of the trust placed in me to lead this ambitious firm into its next era.”

Rick Giovannelli, a firm veteran since 1996, presently leads the global Corporate practice, where he focuses on M&A, private equity, and financing transactions across key industries. He has served on the firm’s Management Committee since 2014 and led its global practice management and industry initiatives since 2021.

Giovannelli said: “K&L Gates places our clients at the center of everything that we do while simultaneously fostering a culture of collegiality and opportunity. I am excited to work with Stacy and Mike to build on this legacy while moving boldly forward – in this moment of accelerated global change – to serve and inspire both our clients and our globally-integrated workforce.”

During their leadership, Jim Segerdahl and Michael Caccese oversaw a period of significant growth, with the firm’s revenue increasing by 37% and expanding into strategic markets including Dublin, Luxembourg, Nashville, and Kansas City.

The Management Committee issued the following statement in appreciation of Segerdahl’s service: “We are grateful for Jim’s tireless dedication to the firm and his unique combination of intuition, empathy, and a powerful drive to succeed. He is not only a determined consensus builder and a steadying hand but also a savvy leader who is fearless in the face of challenges and laser-focused on client success. We are all better off having had him as our Global Managing Partner.”

Segerdahl said,  “It has been an honor to serve as Global Managing Partner of this storied firm. I have had the great pleasure of working closely with Mike, Stacy, and Rick over the years, and I am excited for our next chapter under this dynamic new leadership team.”

Caccese said “I am grateful to Jim for his visionary leadership over the past eight years and am eager to team up with Stacy and Rick to take our client engagement and collaborative culture to the next level. The future is bright.”

Raja Bose, Co-Managing Director & Office Managing Partner; K&L Gates Straits Law LLC | Singapore said,  "Our first female Global Managing Partner we have had since I joined 16 years ago! Both proud and terrified in equal measure... She's a legal machine that eats the likes of me as a snack in between her main meals."

Jan Boeing, Banking/Financial Services Partner at K&L Gates, "We at K&L Gates Luxembourg are proud to share the news about our new leadership team: Stacy Ackermann will become our new Global Managing Partner"

Amjad Hussain, Partner at K&L Gates said, "Congratulations to Stacy Ackermann on her appointment as our firm’s Global Managing Partner, and to Rick Giovannelli on becoming Co-Chair of our Global Management Committee. With both Stacy and Rick at the helm, we’re confident in the strength and vision of our leadership team as we move into this exciting new chapter. A heartfelt thank you to Jim Segerdahl for his outstanding leadership over the past eight years, and to Mike Caccese for his continued role as Chair of the Management Committee for the next 12 months. Exciting times lie ahead for our firm!"

Ryan Dwyer, Managing Partner - Asia, K&L Gates said, "Congratulations to Stacy and Rick on their new appointments. The Asia partnership looks forward to collaborating with the new leadership team to ensure the firm’s positioning in Asian markets remains strong."

Tracy Lawless, Government Affairs Counselor K&L Gates, "A new chapter begins at K&L Gates under new leadership. Congratulations to my colleagues, Stacy Ackermann and Rick Giovannelli"

Harpreet Suri CIO| CTO, said "Exciting times at K&L Gates as we welcome our new Global Managing Partner Stacy Ackermann and Co-Chair of the Management Committee Rick Giovannelli! This marks a bold step forward in our firm’s journey, and I’m energized by the vision and leadership ahead. A heartfelt thank you to @James Segerdahl for his exceptional stewardship and unwavering commitment to our global community. His leadership has left an enduring legacy that will continue to shape our path. Looking forward to what’s next!"

Gavin Gray (he/him), Chief Operating Officer at K&L Gates, Fellow at College of Law Practice Management, said "What an exciting moment as our firm welcomes a new era of leadership! Congratulations Stacy Ackermann and Rick Giovannelli !"

Eric Sedlak, K&L Gates LLP; Corporate/M&A Practice Group said "Looking forward to working with our new leadership team."

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