Law firm Clyde & Co appoints Matthew Kelsall as chief executive

Matthew Kelsall has been named the new chief executive of global law firm Clyde & Co as he takes over the helm from Peter Hasson who has held the role since 2005.

Kelsall will initially take on the role of CEO designate from November 1, to coincide with Peter Hirst becoming senior partner. Kelsall will work with Hirst and Hasson to ensure a smooth transition, with the CEO appointment taking full effect from January 1, 2020.

The newly announced CEO joined the law firm in 2007 and has held executive positions in each of its main regions, including chief operating officer in the Middle East and North Africa, Asia Pacific and North America.

Hirst, currently senior partner elect, led the recruitment process alongside the management board. He said: "Matthew’s knowledge and understanding of the organisation, the global legal market and the day-to-day operations of a large and fast-growing global law firm, all make him the outstanding candidate for the CEO position.

“I look forward to working with Matthew over the coming months to affirm our long-term strategic direction. A key focus will be on making sure we have the people, culture, technology and offerings in place to allow us to stay ahead of the continuously evolving needs of our clients in today's fast-moving and increasingly unpredictable business environment."

Kelsall commented: “I’m honoured to take on the role of CEO and I thank Peter and the board for entrusting me with the responsibility. We have a huge opportunity to further strengthen the market-leading offerings we have built around the world and I look forward to working with the senior partner, the management board and our top class management team to achieve our ambitious goals."

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