King & Wood Mallesons global managing partner Stuart Fuller has announced he will step down from the role at the end of the year.
His decision follows 18 months of turbulence for the UK, Europe and Middle East arm of the firm, and the early resignations of all of the EUME bosses.
A statement said Fuller will return to fee-earning at KWM’s Sydney office.
A process is underway to elect his successor before the end of the year.
Fuller said: “After over a decade in leadership roles in Australia, and almost five years as global managing partner, I believe it’s the right time for a change for me, my family and the firm.
“I want to thank the partners, lawyers and staff of the global firm for their hard work and support during my time as global managing partner and for the honour of serving as their global managing partner. I am proud of the global firm that we have built over that time, and our achievements over that period, and continue to be excited by the firm’s enormous potential.”
KWM global chairman Wang Jungfeng said: “KWM thanks Stuart for his commitment, drive and contribution to our global firm over the past five years. The central role he played in the historic combination between King & Wood and Mallesons in 2012 and with SJ Berwin in 2013 is among his many achievements. We wish Stuart well for his continued success at KWM.”
The SJ Berwin merger added significant Asia Pacific weight to the legacy UK firm but has led to upheaval in the UK and several waves of partner exits.
Two weeks ago the firm was forced to postpone its £14m capital call following the shock exits of several big-billers including former EUME managing partner Rob Day and investment funds head Michael Halford, the architect of the recapitalisation plan.
The post KWM global boss Fuller steps down appeared first on The Lawyer | Legal News and Jobs | Advancing the business of law.