Ashurst appoints new CFO

Ashurst today announces that Brian Dunlop will be joining the firm as chief financial officer.

Brian joins from Allen & Overy, where he is chief financial officer – London. He qualified as a chartered accountant with Deloitte and subsequently held senior financial positions with Stanhope Properties plc, Pentland Group plc and Marconi plc.

This follows Nigel Morland's decision to step down as finance director. Nigel joined Ashurst in 1989 as finance manager and after leaving the firm in 1993, he rejoined as finance director in 1997. He will remain at the firm to work on issues relating to integration with Ashurst Australia and other matters.

Commenting Brian Dunlop said:

"Given the change we are witnessing both in the legal sector and at Ashurst, this is an exciting time to come on board. I am thoroughly looking forward to joining the firm and working with the global team to help deliver on Ashurst's ambitious strategy going forward."

Nigel Morland added:

"I am proud to have been part of Ashurst's successful transformation over recent years. Since I assumed the role of finance director, Ashurst has trebled its revenue, opened 10 new offices and combined with Ashurst Australia. I have worked with some fantastic people and have had the support of an exceptional finance team. It has been challenging and enormously rewarding and I am confident that Brian will enjoy working with the firm during this next stage in its development."

Managing partner of Ashurst, James Collis, said:

"Brian has a deep understanding of the financial management issues that the professional services sector faces in today's market. He is a seasoned CFO with impressive credentials. We have every confidence that he will play a key strategic role in the firm going forward. I would also like to thank Nigel for everything he has helped us achieve as finance director. He has made an outstanding contribution to the firm and I am glad that we will continue to benefit from his expertise."

John Carrington, managing partner of Ashurst Australia, commented:

"Having someone with Brian's expertise and leadership skills at the firm will be of great advantage to us. During Brian's career, he has accumulated considerable experience from which Ashurst will undoubtedly benefit."

Brian will join the board of Ashurst LLP and will be a member of the board after the full merger with Ashurst Australia. The board comprises senior partner Charlie Geffen, managing partner James Collis, chairman of Ashurst in Australia Mary Padbury and partners Matthew Bubb, Cristina Calvo, Anthony Clare, Reinhard Eyring, Logan Mair and Ben Tidswell.