Appointment of Simone Kämpfer as General Counsel and Ralph Nash as Head of Anti-Financial Crime; Departure of Friederike Rotsch and Nita Patel from our site
Simone Kämpfer, a renowned expert in commercial law and compliance, has been appointed as the new General Counsel of Deutsche Bank, effective September 15, 2025. She will join the Group Management Committee and lead the bank's Legal department.
Kämpfer, who currently serves as one of the most senior partners at the law firm Freshfields, has built a strong reputation as a leader in the White-Collar Defence practice in Continental Europe. Her extensive experience advising companies on regulatory matters, governance, and investigations will be instrumental in further developing Deutsche Bank's governance and compliance functions.
Kämpfer's appointment follows the departure of Friederike Rotsch, who is leaving the bank to pursue new opportunities. Rotsch had been the General Counsel of Deutsche Bank.
In her new role, Kämpfer will play a key part in strengthening Deutsche Bank's legal and compliance operations, as part of recent management changes at the bank. Her appointment is viewed as a continuation of Deutsche Bank’s strategic focus on reducing litigation risks and strengthening internal controls, especially amid ongoing efforts to resolve legacy legal issues and evolve the bank’s governance framework.
Ralph Nash, who joined Deutsche Bank in May as Head of AFC EMEA and Global Head of Regions and Standards, has been appointed as the successor to Nita Patel in the Compliance & Anti-Financial Crime division. Nash will report directly to Laura Padovani and will be based in Frankfurt.
Nita Patel has decided to leave the bank for personal reasons.
Simone Kämpfer is also a board member of the investment firm Droege Group. Her appointment is a significant step in Deutsche Bank's ongoing efforts to strengthen its leadership team and position itself for long-term growth.
[1] Deutsche Bank appoints Simone Kämpfer as General Counsel [2] Simone Kämpfer: Deutsche Bank's new General Counsel [3] Deutsche Bank strengthens legal and compliance operations [4] Ralph Nash appointed as Nita Patel's successor in Compliance & Anti-Financial Crime division
[1] Simone Kämpfer's extensive experience in risk management and compliance, particularly in governance and investigations, is expected to strengthen Deutsche Bank's internal controls and contribute to reducing litigation risks.
[2] Simone Kämpfer, a renowned expert in finance, business, and compliance, will lead Deutsche Bank's Legal department as the new General Counsel, focusing on further developing governance and compliance functions.