Ashurst has appointed its first-ever London office head, as part of a new management structure formed following the election of Paul Jenkins as managing partner.
Current corporate co-head Simon Beddow has been named as Ashurst’s first London office managing partner, having been a partner at the firm since 1998.
His appointment means Ashurst now has three new office managing partners in the senior leadership group, with Singapore lead Shaun Lascelles and Sydney-based Shawn Wytenburg also making it onto the team.
London-based Logan Mair has been appointed as head of clients – responsible for developing the firm’s client and industry strategy.
The position is a new one, with a head of innovation role also being created to support Ashurst services such as Ashurst Advance. Glasgow-based Mike Polson will co-lead in this department, alongside Sydney-based Jamie Ng.
The executive team further consists of five lead partners responsible for Ashurst’s corporate, finance and disputes practices.
Former managing partner Simon Bromwich will remain in charge of the disputes division, while London-based Robert Ogilvy Watson has joined the corporate leadership team replacing Beddow. His co-head Geoff Gishubl will continue as co-head, based in Perth.
Helen Burton will meanwhile head up finance team, alongside Sydney partner James Marshall. Marshall has taken on the position following the appointment of former banking co-head Jenkins as managing partner.
Jenkins was announced as Ashurst’s first Australia-based managing partner back in April, replacing James Collis who has decided to return to a fee-earning role at the firm.