Simon Davies (solicitor)

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Simon Davies (born 1967) is a British lawyer and businessman. He studied law at Cambridge University and began his career at Linklaters in London in 1990, becoming a partner in 1999. He spent 12 years in Asia—working in Hong Kong and Tokyo on mergers and acquisitions and securities—and served as Managing Partner for Asia from 2003 to 2007.

In 2008, Davies became Linklaters’ Firmwide Managing Partner, the youngest person to hold the role at 39. He chaired the Executive Committee and was a member of the Partnership Board. He stepped down in 2015 and was succeeded by Gideon Moore.

In 2016, Davies moved to Lloyds Banking Group to become Chief People, Legal and Strategy Officer and a member of the executive committee.

Key achievements at Linklaters include launching the Linklaters Law and Business School in 2007, improving the firm’s rankings and finances, and expanding its presence in Asia and Africa. He also focused on strengthening the firm’s regulatory and contentious capabilities and pushed for greater diversity, aiming for at least 30% women on the Partnership Board and Executive Committee by 2018, with at least 30% of new partners to be women. Linklaters was awarded the UK National Equality Standard for its diversity work.

Davies is involved in China-UK business relations through TheCityUK/ CBBC China Market Advisory Group and received a 2013 fellowship from the Chinese Ambassador to the UK at the 48 Group Club. He is a Trustee of the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain. He is qualified as a solicitor in Hong Kong, a member of the Dai-ichi Tokyo Bar Association, and a solicitor in England and Wales.