David Ryan (pictured) is set to take up the role as head of Pinsent Masons‘ London office following the end of his 16-year tenure as the firm’s managing partner.
He will replace current incumbent Martin Roberts, who has held the role for the last 11 years, at the beginning of May. It is understood that construction and engineering specialist Roberts will go back into a full-time fee-earning role.
Commenting on the appointment, senior partner Richard Foley said: ‘Maintaining a strong London presence remains a crucial part of our strategy to become a true international leader in the global sectors in which we operate. Having somebody with David’s level of experience in the role of Office Head will help ensure that we meet our strategic goals in the capital.’
Ryan added: ‘I am very much looking forward to taking up the role. By playing to our strengths in the City within particular sectors, focusing on our innovative approach to major transactions and disputes – and improving the visibility of our international capability – I’m confident that we will continue to grow our market share.’
The firm elected financial institutions head John Cleland in December to succeed Ryan as managing partner, following a three-man contested election between Cleland, property head Adrian Barlow and client operations head Richard Masters. Cleland’s election followed that of Foley, who was elected senior partner in July 2014 following a contest with incumbent Chris Mullen, who had been senior partner at the firm since July 2005.
Last month the firm announced the launch of an infrastructure sector-focused practice in Australia with outposts in Melbourne and Sydney.
kathryn.mccann@legalease.co.uk
For analysis of Pinsents’ challenges see: More outward-facing but does new leadership have a message for Pinsents?