UK law firm Shoosmiths has announced that a new chief executive elected by its partnership is to succeed Claire Rowe, after a decade in charge.
Real estate partner Simon Boss will assume the role from 1 January after Rowe announced her decision to step down earlier in the year. Rowe is to remain on the firm’s board in an advisory capacity.
The Shoosmiths chief executive is charged with driving the operations and implementation of the strategy of the firm and ensuring the firm's business plan is followed.
Boss has been a real estate partner at Shoosmiths for 14 years and currently heads the firm’s UK real estate division, which comprises of teams specialising in commercial property, construction, planning, property litigation, and environmental advice.
Discussing his new role, Boss said: “I am extremely pleased to have gained the partnership’s backing to become the firm’s next chief executive. I am confident I am the right successor to lead the business in the next phase of its journey, building on the exceptional work Claire has undertaken as chief executive of Shoosmiths for a decade – a time in which the firm has seen tremendous successes and enjoyed substantial growth.
“The political climate will no doubt present challenges for the whole legal profession, but with change comes opportunity. I will be working with our clients, colleagues, partnership and board to ensure the firm remains firmly on course to be the leading UK firm famous for its client experience.”
Chairman Peter Duff, added: “Simon was elected by partner vote and is a worthy candidate to succeed Claire and build upon her achievements as chief executive.
“Simon has a proven track record that he can build and lead substantial teams to success and is wholeheartedly committed to leading Shoosmiths on our growth journey. I am very much looking forward to working alongside Simon in his new role at such an important time in the firm’s history.”