The partnership at CMS Cameron McKenna has elected energy partner Stephen Millar (pictured) to succeed longstanding chief Duncan Weston.
Announced internally this morning (1 February) Millar will assume the position in May. In July Legal Business revealed Millar was a key candidate touted to take over from Weston. A key figure in driving merger negotiations with Scots firm Dundas & Wilson in 2014, Millar will lead alongside fellow energy partner and senior partner Penelope Warne.
Other names suggested last summer included international arbitration head Guy Pendell; consumer products head Louise Wallace; and corporate partner Charles Currier.
Millar will be tasked with revising firm strategy alongside Warne as Weston’s current three-year plan comes to an end. Weston will take up the role of executive partner for global development in May.
Having first been appointed chief in 2008, Weston has seen the firm through significant change during his tenure, including focusing on a sector approach to enforce its position in energy, life sciences and financial services, and finding operational savings through the firm’s high-profile outsourcing deal with Integreon in 2010. He was re-elected unopposed in November 2011 after calling on Camerons’ board to collectively endorse him for a second term, arguing he would not stand if forced to go through an arduous campaign against rival candidates.
Warne said: ‘Stephen’s global experience as an oil & gas lawyer and from establishing a number of our international offices, together with his background both in London and Scotland, means he will bring a great deal of valuable insights, knowledge and energy to the role. I am looking forward to working with him as our new managing partner.’
Commenting on his appointment Millar added: ‘CMS is full of potential, is in good shape and poised for greater things. I am honoured to have been elected as our managing partner. Maintaining momentum for growth will be my priority – both in the UK and internationally. I am excited by the prospect.’
sarah.downey@legalease.co.uk
For more on CMS, see ‘The Programme – how Dundas & Wilson fits into the CMS masterplan.’
