Debevoise & Plimpton Unveils Enhanced Leadership Structure in Global Finance

In an impressive move, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP has restructured its global finance platform, bringing in new leadership that reflects the firm’s commitment to serving a diverse array of financial needs. The firm has appointed key partners to oversee its offerings in Leveraged and Corporate Finance, Fund Finance, and Structured Finance, significantly bolstering its capacity to assist private equity sponsors, corporations, and lenders globally.

Effective March 9, 2026, the firm announced Ryan Rafferty and Scott Selinger as Co-Chairs of the Leveraged and Corporate Finance practice, while Thomas Smith and Ramya Tiller will co-chair the Fund Finance segment. Pierre Maugüé has taken the helm as Chair of the Structured Finance practice. Notably, Mayer Steinman has joined the firm as a partner in the Leveraged and Corporate Finance department, bringing a wealth of experience to the table.

Peter Furci, the Presiding Partner, articulated the rationale behind this revamped structure, noting, "Clients are turning to us for distinct capabilities and global coverage across leveraged finance and fund and structured finance. We have organized our platform to match that demand. These appointments recognize the leaders who have built strong, differentiated practices and position us for continued growth."

The restructured Leveraged and Corporate Finance practice is geared towards advising sponsors and corporate clients on various financial transactions including acquisition financing, syndicated loans, and direct lending. The leadership appointments reflect the firm’s strategy to provide integrated capital solutions tailored to clients navigating new investments and intricate liability management challenges.

As capital markets evolve, Debevoise is keen on expanding its global fund finance and structured finance practices. The increasing demand for effective fund financing solutions necessitates a knowledgeable advisory service, particularly for asset managers at all levels of the capital structure. Maugüé’s pioneering efforts in the collateralized fund obligations market since 2019 position him uniquely to guide clients through complex financial arrangements.

In a landscape where thorough understanding and comprehensive solutions are paramount, Deputy Presiding Partner Nicole Mesard emphasized the need for a collaborative approach across the firm’s various finance segments. She remarked, "These appointments reflect the global reach and breadth of our finance practice. Each of these individual practices operates in a distinct market with its own clients and products. At the same time, our sponsors and asset managers often need coordinated advice across the capital structure. This structure gives each team focused leadership while maintaining close coordination."

Steinman, a seasoned advisor with a robust background in U.S. and cross-border acquisition financing, expressed his enthusiasm about joining Debevoise, highlighting, "Debevoise has a well-established global finance platform and a leading private capital client base. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advise sponsors, borrowers, and lenders on complex financing transactions."

The restructuring aligns seamlessly with Debevoise’s forward-looking strategy and commitment to strengthening its leadership across the finance sector. Matthew Kaplan, Chair of the Corporate Department, praised Steinman’s addition to the team, commenting that his extensive experience strengthens a vital practice within the firm’s corporate and private equity frameworks.

In conclusion, as Debevoise & Plimpton LLP continues to adapt to the complexities of global finance, the new leadership structure signifies a strategic enhancement that aims to foster growth, bolster client relationships, and deliver exceptional financial services across various sectors.