Law firm chief steps down
THE chairman of Sheffield City Region LEP is stepping down from his role at law firm DLA Piper.
Sir Nigel Knowles is stepping down from his role as global co-chairman and senior partner at the firm.
He will retire as a partner from 30 June, and from 1 July he will become a consultant to the company.
DLA Piper is already on the hunt for his successor and has begun an election process, which will be completed by March 2016.
Sir Nigel became the chairman of Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership on 5 November 2015.
Sir Nigel Knowles said: “The creation of DLA Piper is my proudest achievement, and I will always remain close to the firm, but now is the right time for me to stand down safe in the knowledge that I am leaving the firm in very capable hands.”
At the time of his appointment as Sheffield LEP chairman, he said: “I believe that the LEP has a clear vision, a strategy for achieving it and team of people truly committed to achieving its goals. I hope that my skills and experience, in transforming a Yorkshire law firm into a global business, can be used to drive forward these goals and economic ambitions.
Simon Levine, global co-CEO, said: “The contribution that Nigel has made to the firm is immeasurable. His vision and leadership over nearly 20 years has played a huge part in the creation of DLA Piper, taking the firm from 6 UK offices to the global firm it is today.
“We are all extremely proud of everything Nigel has achieved and are very pleased that he will continue to have a very close relationship with the firm.
“On a personal note, I would like to thank Nigel for his friendship and all his support since I took on the role of co-CEO and I look forward to continuing to work with him.”
