9 Gough Square appoints new chief exec

Kerr, who joined the set in 2005 from Scotland’s Faculty of Advocates, quit in March to launch a ­property investment ­company (The Lawyer, 2 November 2009).

It is Smith’s first ­appointment at the bar, having built a career in the RAF before retiring in 1992 to pursue a civil career. He went on to hold a number of board-
room ­positions, most recently as chief executive of ­Edinburgh Solicitors ­Property Centre.

The move to 9 Gough Square, he said, was prompted by a desire for a career change.

“This is an area of the law that’s going through a ­massive change,” Smith said. “I wanted a complete change and a new ­challenge. Plus the people are nice here.”