Hogan Lovells taps Aaron Cutler to lead the firm's Government Relations and Public Affairs practice

“With a presence in the nation’s capital dating back nearly 120 years, Hogan Lovells has long operated at the intersection of business and government. Clients rely on the firm to help resolve their toughest issues, which oftentimes are global in nature,” said Cutler. “Since I joined the firm almost eight years ago, I have been privileged to work with a range of clients and colleagues around the world on lobbying, policy matters, and congressional investigations, and I welcome the opportunity to lead this outstanding group of advocates and communications professionals.”

Cutler joined Hogan Lovells as a partner in 2014 from Capitol Hill, where he served as senior advisor for policy and outreach for U.S. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and deputy policy director and counsel on the Energy and Commerce Committee under former Chairman Fred Upton. He started his career on Wall Street as an associate at two different international law firms, focusing on hedge fund formation, mortgage-backed securitization, and derivatives trading.

Cantor, who now serves as vice chairman and managing director of Moelis & Company, commented: “As a senior advisor during my House leadership tenure, Aaron helped to deliver wins on tough legislative battles by showcasing an unwavering commitment to consensus building. I have no doubt Aaron will demonstrate equal leadership capabilities as head of the firm’s lobbying practice.”

At Hogan Lovells, Cutler has lobbied Congress on behalf of some of the biggest global companies in the insurance and financial services; energy; and technology, media, and telecom sectors, providing strategic counsel to clients with regard to congressional oversight and investigations matters. Cutler has been recognized for government relations by both Chambers and The Legal 500 US.

“Aaron’s combination of deep knowledge of complex financial and regulatory issues, political insight, and congressional oversight and investigations experience has made him an invaluable member of the firm over the past several years,” said Janice Hogan, leader of the firm's Global Regulatory and IPMT practice group. “We could not be more grateful for Ivan’s leadership over the past two years, during which he has forged ahead through one of the most challenging periods in political history. I look forward to working with Aaron to continue to build on the strong foundation and history of this practice.”

Zapien, who will continue with his practice at Hogan Lovells, took the reins of the practice’s leadership in 2020. He previously served as Walmart’s head of corporate affairs for Mexico and Central America in Mexico City and as the company’s chief lobbyist in Washington D.C.; as chief of staff to Sen. Bob Menendez, Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman; and as a senior official at the Democratic National Committee.