Frankfurt—Dentons has appointed Robert Michels to the position of Europe People Partner. In this newly created role, he will be responsible for driving Europe-wide initiatives related to people engagement, inclusion and diversity. He takes on this leadership position in addition to his client-facing role as a capital markets partner in the Corporate practice.

Robert Michels has more than 20 years’ experience advising clients on equity capital markets, stock market listings, banking and securities law, and digitalization of the finance industry, including blockchain and FinTech. He served as Frankfurt Managing Partner for six years, during which time, in addition to growing and developing the business, he focused on building a more collaborative and inclusive culture within the office. An outspoken ally for women’s advancement and LGBT+ rights, he has organized numerous events to promote inclusion both within Dentons and within the wider business community. In 2021, he was recognized as a “Prout Performer” by Prout at Work for being one of the top 40 business executives in Germany acting as an ally in promoting equal opportunity for LGBT+ people in the workforce.

“My leadership philosophy has always been ‘come as you are’, and I want Dentons to be a place where people feel valued for being their true selves at work,” said Robert Michels. “In my new role, my first priority will be to ensure more women within Europe advance into partnership and leadership roles. I also want to create more awareness around unconscious bias, and challenge old ways of thinking to ensure all of our people have the opportunity to thrive.” 

Tomasz Dąbrowski, CEO of Dentons Europe, commented on the appointment, “At Dentons, we recognize the importance of allyship in creating a more inclusive culture. Robert is passionate about diversity, and will collaborate closely with our Europe Women’s Advancement Committee, our Europe Inclusion and Diversity Committee, and our Talent team to drive our inclusion and diversity strategy across Europe and Central Asia.”

About Dentons

Across over 80 countries, Dentons helps you grow, protect, operate and finance your organization by providing uniquely global and deeply local legal solutions. Polycentric, purpose-driven and committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and sustainability, we focus on what matters most to you. www.dentons.com