Bird & Bird appoints new Head of Responsible Business Dan Noakes

International law firm Bird & Bird announces the arrival of Dan Noakes as its new Head of Responsible Business to achieve the firm’s ambitious goals as part of its new five-year strategy. 

Dan joins the firm from DWF where he was Head of ESG Operations & Business Development and brings over a decade of experience in steering businesses through responsible business initiatives globally across professional services industries. 

At Bird & Bird, Dan will focus on driving forward the firm’s responsible business ambitions within the new five-year strategy, including its pro bono activities internationally. This includes implementing the firm’s new 10,000 hours pledge from partners to pledge at least five hours each a year to the pursuit of responsible business education or action.

He will work closely with the firm’s international leadership team including Chief People Officer Aylie Ewing, General Counsel Chris Barrett as well as the wider team focusing on responsible business including Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Jess Kaye, and Sustainability Manager, Lauren Nethercleft. 

Christian Bartsch, CEO at Bird & Bird, comments: “It’s great to have Dan on board, especially at a time when the world and the market are changing at pace. The move to becoming a more responsible business is a key part of our strategy and with Dan leading the charge, I’m certain we’ll make great strides in achieving our aims.  It’s more important than ever that, as a global business, we authentically pursue the values that we stand for. We also know it’s important to our colleagues and clients as well. I look forward to seeing Dan driving forward our responsible business initiatives which will help accelerate our ambitions to make a positive contribution to a more sustainable future.”  

Dan adds: “It’s refreshing to join a firm like Bird & Bird who are assisting clients through tools such as the ESG Navigator, which allows them to quickly simplify, identify, assess and address ESG regulations and directives that affect their business. 

The world of ESG is a fast-changing space.  I’m excited to work alongside lawyers who are advising clients on regulatory challenges in this area and who are creating products with ESG goals at their core. I look forward to seeing how I can help the firm ensure our own initiatives are meaningful and impactful.”