Global firm Baker & McKenzie’s London office has appointed an inclusion and diversity partner to promote its diversity agenda.

London-based employment partner Sarah Gregory will take up the role on 1 July.

Gregory will lead Baker & McKenzie London’s inclusion and diversity programme and act as the firm’s first client-facing ‘diversity ambassador’.

As such she will focus on initiatives to attract, retain and develop a diverse workforce, and oversee the firm’s five diversity affinity groups.
 She will work closely with London office inclusion and diversity manager, Justine Thompson, and Baker & McKenzie’s global inclusion and diversity team, headed by director of global CSR Christie Constantine.

Gregory joined the firm in 1990 becoming a partner in the firm’s employment practice in 1999.   
 


In 2013, Baker & McKenzie was one of the first major international firms to announce a global target to increase its percentage of female equity partners to 30%, seeking to double the current number which stands at 15%.  
 


Gregory said: ‘Having been engaged in diversity and inclusion issues in a number of guises throughout my career as an employment lawyer, this new role feels like a natural transition.

‘It’s an incredibly exciting opportunity and one which I hope to use to effect change and develop a truly collaborative and inclusive culture.’