North West law giant Weightmans has appointed Sarah Walton as managing partner as the firm plans “significant growth”.
Ms Walton, the firm’s first female managing partner, succeeds John Schorah, who is stepping down after 12 years in charge and 18 years on the board.
She has also confirmed several new board appointments, including Stuart Jones as client relationships director, Dewi Ap-Thomas as regulatory and litigation director, and Ben Daniel as transaction and advisory director. The former managing director at L&G Insurance, Duncan Finch, will join the board as a non-executive director.
Ms Walton said: “This firm has built an exceptional reputation under John’s leadership, and I am committed to driving forward a strategy that champions innovation, collaboration and client excellence.
“I’m fortunate to be coming in at a time of significant growth for the firm, so my strategy will be evolution, not revolution. The new additions to our board and leadership team will help continue to drive innovation and agility, and we are well-positioned for a strong and dynamic future.”
Mr Schorah will continue to work on key growth projects at Weightmans including the development of CyXcel, the firm’s international cybersecurity law consultancy, and working on Weightmans’ international expansion ambitions.
He said: "Leading Weightmans has been an extraordinary privilege, and I am immensely proud of everything we have achieved over the last 12 years. We have grown significantly, embraced new opportunities, and built a culture that puts people and clients at the heart of what we do.
“Sarah is a natural leader with deep experience and a clear vision for the future, and I have no doubt she will continue to drive Weightmans forward. I am pleased to remain involved in strategic projects that will further strengthen the firm, and I look forward to seeing the next phase of its success under Sarah’s leadership."
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