After unexpectedly stepping down from his management role, former Olswang chief executive David Stewart has officially resigned from the firm, and is currently seeking new opportunities.
In early October, Stewart announced he would be stepping down from his chief executive role halfway through his term. He joined the firm in 1997 as a litigation partner, became the firm’s managing partner in 2007, and dropped the title in 2010 after he was elected as CEO.
He also chaired the firm’s executive committee and implemented its global strategy. Before Olswang, Stewart was a partner at legacy firm SJ Berwin & Co from 1992 until 1997, where he became a partner in the litigation group in 1995.
A spokesperson at Olswang confirmed that Stewart has resigned and is looking for new opportunities. The firm added that Stewart could not be reached through Olswang as he was now not under the firm’s responsibility.
According to Stewart’s profile on networking website LinkedIn, he said: ‘I am now looking to use the skills and relationships I have built over my career to date in interesting new roles and projects around the world. Please feel free to get in touch.’
Intellectual property specialist Michael Burdon was chosen to assume Stewart’s position on a temporary basis for a maximum of a year last month. The partnership is expected to elect a new CEO in due course.
Olswang board chairman Dirk van Liederkerke said at that time: ‘We are extremely grateful to Michael Burdon for agreeing to step in as CEO. He will have the full support of the board while arrangements are made for the election of a new CEO on a permanent basis.’
jaishree.kalia@legalease.co.uk
