Walker Morris chairman to stand down

WALKER Morris has announced plans to reintroduce the role of managing partner after announcing that Peter Smart is to stand down as chairman.

The change comes as Mr Smart, the Leeds-based law firm’s current chairman, has formally announced that he will step down as planned at the end of his current term of office.

Mr Smart will remain as a partner in the corporate department until May 2011.

Andrew Turnbull, who heads up the firm’s pension group, has been appointed to a new role of non-executive chairman and Ian Gilbert, one of the region’s  leading corporate lawyers, has been appointed managing partner.

Both Mr Turnbull and Mr Gilbert will continue to provide advice in their respective specialist areas.

Mr Gilbert said: “We are extremely grateful to Peter who has led the firm with great distinction and has been involved in the management of Walker Morris for over 24 years, including nine years as executive chairman. He leaves the firm in a healthy position, well placed to help its clients take advantage of the improving economy.”

Mr Smart added: “I have been enormously proud to have been involved in the management and development of Walker Morris over such a long time, but now is the time for the next generation of partners to take the firm to new heights.”

The new appointments will take effect from May 1 for a term of three years.