Norton Rose Fulbright has re-elected Peter Martyr as global chief executive for a further three years, an appointment that will constitute the leader’s fifth term in the top role. The firm has, however, appointed Martin Scott, the firm’s global corporate head, M&A securities, to succeed Martyr as managing partner of Norton Rose Fulbright LLP.
In the summer Legal Business revealed that Martyr was widely tipped to stand in the legal giant’s election for the top leadership role. With Martyr’s three-year term ending in December, the City-based chief was known to have put himself forward to take on the role again.
Martyr was widely viewed as a successful leader after repositioning the legacy Norton Rose as a global force with a series of audacious mergers, though some partners and ex-partners have grumbled over the lack of consultation from the firm’s central management.
The firm has also appointed Charles Hurdon, managing partner of Ottawa and head of employment and labour for Canada, to succeed current Canada LLP managing partner John Coleman. Both Hurdon and Scott will take up their new roles with effect from January 2015 for a period of three years. The new global head of corporate, M&A and securities, for Norton Rose Fulbright and the new Ottawa MP are to be confirmed shortly.
Scott commented: ‘Following on from Peter and all he has done to transform our business will be a challenging task, but I am looking forward to continuing his legacy of investment in our clients and our people. With Peter in the role of global chief executive, I will, of course, have the benefit of his guidance as well as that of an effective management team. We are committed to a growth strategy across these regions and my priority will be to deliver this growth rapidly and effectively and in alignment with Norton Rose Fulbright’s global plan’.
Martyr added: ‘I am delighted to be working with Charles and Martin for the next three years as part of the Norton Rose Fulbright global leadership team. We have made great strides in the development of our global platform. There is much still to accomplish and I look forward to the continued growth of the business with the talented team we have’.
sarah.downey@legalease.co.uk
