DAC Beachcroft has elected real estate partner Virginia Clegg as the firm’s new senior partner, while insurance head David Pollitt has been named managing partner, bringing both the insurance and non-insurance parts of the business together in leadership.
Clegg succeeds Simon Hodson while Pollitt will replace current incumbent Paul Murray. Both new appointments will take effect from 1 November.
The duo won their seats against two other candidates – Richard Beaty, a partner in the firm’s professional and financial risk group and Bristol-based real estate head Michael Bothamley from the non-insurance side of the firm.
Based in Leeds, Clegg is currently the regional senior partner for Leeds and a board member, and has advised property owners and developers on development, asset management, investment and funding issues.
Pollitt, who will be based in London, chairs the Claims Solutions Group, is an executive board member, as well as heading the insurance department. During his tenure, the firm has opened new offices in Colombia, Chile and a representative office in New York, as well as signing association agreements in Canada, Malaysia and Brazil.
Both Clegg and Pollitt will stand down from their current position when the new leadership roles take effect with successors to their respective roles announced in due course.
Outgoing DAC Beachcroft managing partner Paul Murray said: ‘Simon and I would like to place on record our heartfelt congratulations to David and Virginia. Virginia’s contribution to the growth of our commercial business and David’s tenure of the insurance sector during a period of significant growth bear testament to the pair’s leadership, resilience and business focus.’
The new management is the firm’s first new executive team since the merger of Davies Arnold Cooper and Beachcroft in October 2011. Hodson and Murray were elected to their roles at legacy Beachcroft in 2005 and then re-elected for a second term in 2010.
jaishree.kalia@legalease.co.uk
