Mr Bednall moved to London last year from Australia, where he had been chairman of the Australian partnership of KWM following the Mallesons merger. In London, he is head of the firm’s London corporate finance and funds division, as well as global co-ordinator of its corporate, M&A and securities practice.

Mr Bednall takes up his new role with immediate effect and for a term of three years. He replaces William Boss as managing partner for EUME; Mr Boss stepped down one year early at the beginning of the year to return to fee-earning. The firm delayed appointing his successor in order to restructure its practice areas into three core groups.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Bednall said: ‘My immediate priority is to work with my partners across Europe and the Middle East to drive positive change and growth in the business, to deliver an outstanding client experience and to create sustainable success built on our strong European foundations.’

Senior partner

Senior partner Stephen Kon also stepped down last month; his is successor will be elected later this month. Nominations for the position are still open and so far two potential candidates – head of funds Michael Halford and Dubai-based disputes star Tim Taylor QC – are understood to have thrown their hats into the ring.