London Area, United Kingdom, February 2026 – James Watson has joined Linklaters as Director of Global Talent, where he will lead the firm’s global Talent agenda across its international operations.
In this role, James is responsible for shaping and advancing Linklaters’ global talent strategy, supporting the firm’s ambition to combine legal excellence with innovation and collaboration across markets. His mandate includes aligning talent acquisition, development, performance, and workforce strategy with the evolving needs of a leading global law firm operating in complex regulatory and business environments.
Prior to joining Linklaters, James served as Chief People Officer – Europe at Oliver Wyman. Before that, he spent nearly four years at Finastra, where he held senior leadership roles including Global Vice President HR – Talent, Country HR, HR Operations & Technology & Diversity and Vice President Talent / Performance Management & Talent Acquisition, overseeing global talent acquisition, performance management, HR shared services, and HR technology.
Earlier in his career, James held multiple global HR and talent leadership roles at McKinsey & Company, eBay, Imperial Tobacco, Barclays, and GSK. Across these organizations, he led executive resourcing, global recruiting centers of excellence, startup HR strategy, and large-scale international talent transformation initiatives spanning Europe, North America, and APAC.
About Linklaters
Linklaters is a leading global law firm that combines deep legal expertise with a collaborative and innovative approach to support clients navigating complex and rapidly evolving markets. Operating across key financial and commercial centers worldwide, the firm invests in the future of its clients and its people, helping manage risk and unlock opportunity in a dynamic global landscape.
Read Also : When HR “Produces Nothing”: A Response to Jennifer Sey’s Anti-HR Vision
The Fine Balance: Navigating Work, Life, and Mental Wellbeing
Mind the Leadership Gap – From Learning to Real-World Impact
How the Adecco Group is empowering its employees for the future of work
