CMS has named global infrastructure, construction and energy disputes practice co-head Adrian Bell as its next UK managing partner.
Bell replaces Stephen Millar, who has led the UK business since 2016. Bell will begin a four-year term in April next year once Millar’s term ends.
Bell has been with CMS since 2002. He has previously served in other leadership roles for the firm, including as joint managing director for APAC and the Middle East, a role he took up in 2017. During that time he helped the firm open offices in Abu Dhabi and in Riyadh, while also formalising its Australian business with its Brisbane office opening in 2019.
Charles Currier, CMS’s senior partner, said: “Adrian has a proven track record of driving strategic growth, fostering innovation and building high-performing teams. I am confident that he will lead the firm with excellence, creativity and integrity and further strengthen the sense of community within CMS.
“I look forward to working with him as we continue to build on the momentum across the firm and deliver on the firm’s strategy for the benefit of partners, all our colleagues and our clients.”
Bell will be responsible for a UK business that saw revenue increase by 6% to £779m in its latest financial results published in July.
He said: “It’s an honour to take on the role of managing partner, particularly at such an interesting time for the legal sector and where we have momentum as a firm. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside exceptional colleagues and clients across our global network, and I’m energised by the opportunity to build on the strong foundations we’ve already laid to achieve our ambitious growth targets.”
Millar, meanwhile, will return to his oil and gas-focused corporate practice. He had gone up against Currier to become senior partner in 2023, but lost the partner vote. Currier took over from previous senior partner Penelope Warne in April 2024.
Other UK firms that have refreshed their leadership recently include TLT, which in June elected Andrew Lyon as its new senior partner, due to replace Sasha Butterworth at the start of next year. That followed Slaughter and May appointing David Johnson as managing partner, replacing Deborah Finkler in August, while Burges Salmon appointed Ross Fairley as its senior partner, replacing Chris Seaton in May.
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