The asset management and investment funds lawyer will succeed Jonathan Sheehan from 30 April 2026, leading Walkers’ Ireland office of over 200 staff members.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Blake-Knox said: “I am incredibly honoured to be appointed managing partner of Walkers in Ireland.

“I look forward to working more closely with my exceptionally talented colleagues across our various business lines and to ensuring that we continue to deliver best in class service for our clients both here in Ireland and globally.

“Over the last number of years, we have experienced continued growth within the Irish market and I would like to thank Jonathan Sheehan in particular for his strong leadership during this period which has made this possible.

“I am really excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for Walkers in Ireland.”

Mr Sheehan, who has served in the top role since 2022, said: “I am delighted to congratulate Nick on his appointment.

“Nick is an exceptional leader and is extremely highly regarded both within the firm and across the market. I know that the firm will continue to flourish under his leadership.

“It has been my privilege to serve as managing partner for Ireland. I am incredibly grateful for the support I have received during my tenure from across our firm and our client base, and I look forward to supporting Nick in his new role.”

Global managing partner Ingrid Pierce added: “I would like to congratulate Nick on his appointment and I look forward to working closely with him during his tenure.

“I would also like to thank Jonathan Sheehan for all that he has achieved over the last four years as managing partner.

“Ireland remains a key jurisdiction for Walkers and we will continue to grow in this market.”

Mr Blake-Knox has in excess of 20 years’ experience working in the asset management and investment funds industry. He was previously elected to the Irish Funds Council and in 2024/2025 served as chair of Irish Funds.

In 2025, he was appointed to the joint committee of the Irish government’s Ireland for Finance initiative, aimed at further growing and developing Ireland’s financial services sector, for a two-year term.

He is a regular contributor to industry publications and speaker at investment fund and asset management conferences. He is also a member of the advisory board of the Certified Investment Fund Director Institute and lectures on various executive education programmes.

Before joining Walkers, Mr Blake-Knox was senior vice-president and senior legal counsel at PIMCO in London, managing all areas of its EMEA funds business.