Global law firm Clyde & Co looked internally to find its new chief executive officer. The firm has appointed Matthew Kelsall as its new with effect from 1 January 2020.

Smooth transition

Mr Kelsall replaces Peter Hasson, who will step down having been ceo since 2005. He will take on the role of ceo designate from 1 November, to coincide with Peter Hirst taking on the role of Senior Partner and will work with him and Mr Hasson to ensure a smooth transition. The firm says Mr Kelsall has a deep understanding of Clyde & Co having joined the firm in 2007. He has held executive positions in each of its main regions, including that of chief operating officer in the Middle East and North Africa, Asia Pacific and North America. Mr Hirst, Clyde & Co's senior partner elect, led the recruitment process alongside the firm's Management Board. As the new leaders of the firm, the two men will work closely together to develop long-term strategy and drive effective delivery of it to ensure Clyde & Co continues to build on its global positioning across its core sectors. Mr Hasson joined Clyde & Co from professional services firm Robson Rhodes  in 1997, going on to become the firm’s first CEO in 2005. In that time the firm has grown from a 12 office, 130-partner, £125m revenue business to become a 52 office, 400-partner, £611m global firm. On standing down as CEO on 1 January 2020 he will take up the role of Consultant, working on a number of specific projects on behalf of the Management Board.

Unrecognisable

Mr Hirst says, “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.” Mr Kelsall said, “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.” Mr Hirst added, “The Board and I would like to thank Peter for his outstanding contribution over the past 20 years. The firm is unrecognisable to the one he joined and that owes so much to Peter’s management and drive.”