Wilson quits Shakespeares for Canadian job

THE chief executive of Birmingham-based law firm Shakespeares is to stand down, it has been announced.

Paul Wilson will be succeeded by Andy Raynor, presently Chief Client Officer at the firm.

Wilson, who steps down after nine years in post, is move to Toronto to become Managing Director of Canada’s largest intellectual property and technology law boutique Smart & Biggar. The firm has offices in Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary.

Wilson joined Shakespeares in 2006 when turnover was £10m with a team of less than 200. In less than a decade Shakespeares has merged with seven regional competitors, grown from 200 to 670 people and from £10m of revenue in Birmingham to £50m based across the broader Midlands.

Colleagues have been quick to praise their out-going boss.

Mark English, Joint Senior Partner at Shakespeares said: “Paul has been an integral part of the development and execution of our strategy over the past nine years. While we are sad that he leaves us, he does so having helped us transform our firm and as a trusted friend.

“We are delighted that our long-term succession plans have come to fruition. Andy Raynor has worked with Paul and our main board team since 2013 and has already made a tremendous impact. He shares our passion for growth and creativity as we continue to build a sizeable national firm built on a strong regional presence. We believe Andy is the ideal appointment for the next phase of our development.”

Wilson said: “This is a decision primarily driven by personal circumstances. It has been a real privilege to lead Shakespeares, particularly through a period of economic uncertainty and unprecedented change in the UK legal system. I leave behind a fantastic group of people at leadership, partner and staff levels. I am looking forward to the challenge of working in a completely different legal culture.”

Andy Raynor, formerly head of RSM Tenon in the city, said: “It’s thrilling to be asked to lead a team of such original thinkers. Shakespeares has a deserved reputation for doing the unexpected. We’re not in business to be the same as the rest. Shakespeares is all about originality and opportunity and most of all, I’m looking forward to working with people and clients that are ambitious for growth – and helping them achieve their goals.”