International Financial Centre law firm Walkers has made a series of senior management changes within the firm’s global group.
With the forthcoming retirement of Global Chairman Wayne Panton, who has been an attorney with Walkers since 1988 and a partner with the firm since 1997, this key strategic role is to be taken on by current Global Managing Partner Grant Stein (pictured), with effect from 1 July 2011. The move into the role of Global Chairman dovetails neatly with Stein’s recent involvement in international regulatory matters, particularly his work in the formation of the International Financial Centres Forum (www.ifcforum.org), which has engaged with global policymakers on the important role of International Financial Centres in the world economy.
Also from 1 July 2011, Diarmad Murray, the current Managing Partner of Walkers’ Cayman Islands office, will become Walkers’ Global Managing Partner. Murray joined Walkers in 1994, becoming a partner in 2000. As Global Head of Walkers’ Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group and having been Managing Partner of Walkers’ Cayman Islands office since 2009, Murray’s appointment as Global Managing Partner ensures a seamless transition for Walkers in this position. The move comes at an exciting time for the firm with the recent global expansion into Dublin, the Group’s ninth international office.
"On behalf of the partners I would like to thank Wayne for his outstanding contribution to the firm over the past 23 years, during which time Walkers transformed from a small local practice into a global industry leader," says Stein. "We are delighted to have Diarmad taking over the reins as Global Managing Partner, following the unanimous support of the partnership. He has done an excellent job in reshaping the Cayman Islands office over the past two years and our senior management team is extremely strong as we embark on the next phase of the firm’s growth."
Alongside these changes, Jonathan Tonge, the current Managing Partner with responsibility for Walkers’ practice groups will become Managing Partner – Regions and will relocate to Walkers’ Jersey office where he will also take on the role of Managing Partner of that office. "This relocation to a UK time zone will allow more effective communication with Walkers’ offices in Asia, Europe as well as the Americas, while the move of a partner of Jonathan’s stature to Jersey demonstrates our full confidence in the jurisdiction," Stein says.
At the same time, Ian Ashman, currently Managing Partner – Regions will become Managing Partner – Practices, with responsibility for driving the revenue of the firm. Mr. Ashman will continue to be based in Dublin where he oversaw the opening of Walker’s Ireland office in September 2010.
