International law firm Simmons & Simmons has announced the hire of leading European health and life sciences (HLS) regulatory specialist Vincenzo Salvatore as a partner in its Milan office.

A uniquely experienced lawyer with a strong reputation in his field, Vincenzo specialises in EU life sciences regulation and compliance, advising and representing clients on a broad spectrum of matters relating to pharmaceutical and medical products.

Vincenzo joins Simmons from from a leading Italian law firm, where he most recently led their HLS practice Prior to this role and over a decade in private practice, he held the position of Head of Legal Service at the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in London for eight years.

Over the course of a career at the forefront of pharmaceutical and medical regulation and advising some of Europe’s most influential clients, Vincenzo has secured several accolades and awards, developing a wide profile in the market and industry. This includes being described as “the most experienced lawyer in Italy for pharmaceuticals work” by the Legal 500, as part of his inclusion in its ‘Hall of Fame’.

The partner hire will significantly bolster Simmons HLS regulatory offering in Italy and across the EU and UK – supporting the growth plans of its wider global practice.

Vincenzo will also be supported by associate and fellow regulatory and compliance specialist Giuseppe Ragucci, who joins Simmons from his existing team.

Commenting on the hire, Mauro Pisapia, head of Simmons’ Dispute Resolution practice and Administrative Law teams in Milan, said: “We’re very pleased to have secured such a distinguished partner in Vincenzo. Working across private practice, in government and academia for decades, he brings an established practice with superb client connections and deep HLS sector knowledge which very few can match.”

Alexandre Regniault, head of the firm’s Healthcare & Life Sciences sector group, said: “Vincenzo’s extensive regulatory expertise and vast experience adds further strength to our HLS offering - in particular to our Italian regulatory expertise delivered by Mauro Teresi - ensuring that we can expand our reach to advise more leading clients across Europe”.

Vincenzo Salvatore commented: “I am excited to combine my practice with a firm with such a strong reputation in healthcare and life sciences. I’m highly encouraged by Simmons’ growth ambitions for its HLS team and the firm’s investment in the sector. My expertise will broaden the firm’s capabilities, allowing it to provide more comprehensive support to European clients in an increasingly complex and fast-evolving regulatory landscape”