Forward Global has expanded its London corporate intelligence and investigations practice with the appointment of two new partners and a managing director, bolstering its litigation support, disputes and intelligence capabilities across the UK, Europe and the wider EMEA region.
Forward Global has announced three senior appointments to its London Corporate Intelligence and Investigations practice as it expands its litigation support and disputes capabilities.
The new hires bring decades of experience across investigations, disputes, intelligence operations and business development, strengthening the firm's offering for law firms, corporates, investors and sovereign clients involved in complex cross-border matters.
The appointments add specialist expertise in disputes and litigation investigations to Forward Global's wider capabilities in strategic communications, digital intelligence, cyber security and risk advisory services. The expanded team will support clients on investigations, evidence development, asset tracing, recovery and dispute strategy.
Darren Matthews joins as partner and head of litigation and disputes investigations in the UK. A forensic accountant and certified fraud examiner, he has more than 25 years' experience leading complex international investigations. He will oversee the growth of Forward Global's UK litigation and disputes investigations practice, focusing on fraud and corruption investigations, forensic accounting and data-led investigative techniques. He previously served as executive managing director and regional head of EMEA at K2 Integrity.
Frédéric Maendly has been appointed partner, litigation and disputes investigations, covering the UK and Switzerland. A former Swiss federal investigator, he brings extensive experience and networks across the Swiss legal and financial sectors. His appointment strengthens the firm's reach across continental Europe and the wider EMEA region. He most recently led K2 Integrity's Geneva office.
Meanwhile, Christopher Morris joins as managing director and head of EMEA business development. Having held senior business development positions at leading international investigations firms, he brings significant experience developing client relationships across the Middle East and international markets, with expertise spanning intelligence and investigations work.
The new recruits join an established London team which advises clients on litigation support, asset tracing, corporate intelligence and geopolitical risk. Led by Charles Carr, the expanded practice now offers investigation and intelligence capabilities across Europe, the Middle East, Russia and the CIS, Asia and Latin America.
The strengthened investigations and disputes team will work closely with Matt Bell, who leads Forward Global's disputes communications practice in London, supporting clients involved in high-profile and sensitive cross-border disputes. The team will also collaborate with Dr Judith Jacob, who heads the firm's geopolitical risk and security intelligence practice.
Matthieu Creux, president of Forward Global, said: "Our clients want one firm that sees the whole picture, connecting intelligence, investigations, cyber, risk and communications. Investing in this capability and in the calibre of people who deliver it positions Forward Global to advise clients on the most complex threats they face, globally."
Charles Carr, partner and head of UK corporate intelligence and investigations, added: "Darren, Frédéric and Chris are people I have worked alongside for the better part of twenty years. Bringing them together here gives our clients the language coverage, regional reach and investigative depth to handle their most sensitive matters, wherever those matters take us."
The appointments further strengthen Forward Global's ability to provide integrated investigations, intelligence and communications support to organisations navigating complex disputes across multiple jurisdictions.