Reed Smith Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Reed Smith has 7 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, operational management, information technology, and business development.

Focused on delivering excellence in complex litigation and strategic transactions, Reed Smith maintains a global commitment to providing high-stakes legal counsel across diverse industry sectors.

Leadership Roles at Reed Smith

  • Chief Financial Officer - Derek Chan
  • Global Chief Financial Officer - James Metzger
  • Chief Operating Officer - Nicholas Bagiatis
  • Chief of Staff - Breeanna Ebben
  • Chief Information Officer - Ryan McEnroe
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Rebecca Hammond
  • Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer - Gillian Ward
  • Derek Chan - Chief Financial Officer

    Derek Chan, the Chief Financial Officer at Reed Smith, manages the firm's fiscal health and long-term capital allocation strategies. Overseeing global financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with international accounting standards across all regional offices. This leadership role involves analyzing complex litigation revenue streams to optimize profitability. By directing budgetary planning, Derek Chan directly impacts the firm's ability to fund cross-border expansion and strategic growth initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the board to maintain liquidity during high-stakes disputes. Through rigorous oversight of financial operations, Chan secures the firm's economic stability. This position requires constant monitoring of market fluctuations to protect the firm's assets. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer drives the financial performance necessary to support the firm's reputation for excellence in legal services across the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

    James Metzger - Global Chief Financial Officer

    James Metzger, the Global Chief Financial Officer at Reed Smith, manages the firm's international financial strategy and investment portfolio. Overseeing cross-border financial operations, the Global Chief Financial Officer ensures that the firm's fiscal policies support expansion into Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. This leadership role involves mitigating currency risks and managing international tax compliance for complex strategic transactions. By directing global financial planning, James Metzger directly impacts the firm's ability to compete in diverse legal markets. The Global Chief Financial Officer collaborates with regional leaders to ensure consistent financial performance across all international offices. Through sophisticated financial modeling, Metzger provides the insights necessary for high-stakes decision-making. This position requires a deep understanding of global economic trends and their impact on the legal sector. Ultimately, the Global Chief Financial Officer drives the financial strategy that enables the firm to maintain its global footprint and market-leading position.
    James Metzger

    Nicholas Bagiatis - Chief Operating Officer

    Nicholas Bagiatis, the Chief Operating Officer at Reed Smith, directs the firm's day-to-day business operations and resource allocation. Overseeing internal infrastructure, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that legal teams possess the necessary support to handle complex litigation and regulatory matters. This leadership role involves optimizing operational workflows across the firm's coast-to-coast presence in the United States. By refining service delivery models, Nicholas Bagiatis directly impacts the firm's operational efficiency and client satisfaction. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with other executives to scale the firm's capabilities in emerging markets. Through strategic management of physical and human capital, Bagiatis maintains the firm's high standards of professional excellence. This position requires balancing immediate operational needs with long-term growth objectives. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer drives the operational rigor required to sustain the firm's reputation for handling high-stakes disputes and strategic transactions on a global scale.
    Nicholas Bagiatis

    Breeanna Ebben - Chief of Staff

    Breeanna Ebben, the Chief of Staff at Reed Smith, coordinates executive workflows and facilitates communication across the firm's leadership team. Overseeing internal project management, the Chief of Staff ensures alignment between administrative goals and the firm's broader legal mission. This leadership role involves managing high-priority initiatives that span multiple international jurisdictions. By streamlining operational processes, Breeanna Ebben directly impacts the efficiency of the firm's cross-border transaction teams. The Chief of Staff acts as a primary liaison between the executive committee and department heads to resolve complex organizational challenges. Through meticulous planning, Ebben optimizes the execution of strategic firm-wide objectives. This position requires deep understanding of the firm's internal culture and external market pressures. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff drives organizational cohesion, ensuring that the firm remains agile while navigating the complexities of global legal practice and high-stakes regulatory matters.

    Ryan McEnroe - Chief Information Officer

    Ryan McEnroe, the Chief Information Officer at Reed Smith, architects the firm's digital infrastructure and cybersecurity frameworks. Overseeing global technology operations, the Chief Information Officer ensures the secure handling of sensitive client data during complex litigation and strategic transactions. This leadership role involves implementing advanced legal tech solutions to enhance productivity across the firm's international offices. By modernizing IT systems, Ryan McEnroe directly impacts the firm's ability to manage high-stakes disputes efficiently. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with legal teams to integrate data analytics into daily practice. Through proactive threat management, McEnroe protects the firm's digital perimeter against evolving global risks. This position requires constant innovation to maintain a competitive edge in the legal industry. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer drives the technological transformation necessary to support the firm's mission of providing superior legal counsel in an increasingly digital and interconnected global marketplace.
    Ryan McEnroe

    Rebecca Hammond - Chief Administrative Officer

    Rebecca Hammond, the Chief Administrative Officer at Reed Smith, manages the firm's administrative functions and internal support services. Overseeing human resources and facilities management, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that the firm's professional environment fosters excellence in legal practice. This leadership role involves implementing policies that support the firm's diverse workforce across its global locations. By streamlining administrative processes, Rebecca Hammond directly impacts the firm's ability to attract and retain top legal talent. The Chief Administrative Officer collaborates with department heads to ensure that operational support aligns with the firm's strategic goals. Through effective management of internal resources, Hammond enhances the firm's overall productivity. This position requires a focus on organizational development and employee engagement. Ultimately, the Chief Administrative Officer drives the administrative excellence necessary to support the firm's mission of providing high-quality legal services in complex litigation and strategic transactions.
    Rebecca Hammond

    Gillian Ward - Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer

    Gillian Ward, the Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer at Reed Smith, directs the firm's brand strategy and client acquisition efforts. Overseeing global marketing initiatives, the Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer ensures that the firm's expertise in complex litigation and strategic transactions is effectively communicated to target markets. This leadership role involves developing business development programs that expand the firm's presence in key industry sectors. By crafting compelling market narratives, Gillian Ward directly impacts the firm's ability to secure high-stakes client engagements. The Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer collaborates with practice group leaders to identify new growth opportunities across the United States and international regions. Through strategic networking and brand positioning, Ward strengthens the firm's market reputation. This position requires constant adaptation to changing client needs and competitive landscapes. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer drives the growth strategy that sustains the firm's market-leading position.
    Gillian Ward

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Reed Smith Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Reed Smith?
    Reed Smith is led by Derek Chan (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as James Metzger (Global Chief Financial Officer) and Nicholas Bagiatis (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Reed Smith’s executive team?
    The executive team of Reed Smith includes leaders such as Derek Chan (Chief Financial Officer), James Metzger (Global Chief Financial Officer), Nicholas Bagiatis (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Reed Smith have?
    Reed Smith has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Reed Smith’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Reed Smith includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Global Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer.