Bland quits Wragges after real estate clash
Wragges after real estate clash" />The national chairman of Wragge & Co’s real estate group Gerald Bland has quit following what some insiders have described as a year-long power struggle with the firm’s property head Adrian Bland.
Gerald Bland, who joined Wragges from Herbert Smith in summer 2002 to launch the Birmingham firm’s London property practice, has been on a sabbatical since June.
It is understood that Gerald Bland told Wragges last week that he will not be returning to the firm because, following last summer’s appointment of Eversheds’ lateral Adrian Bland – no relation – the job he was recruited for was no longer there.
According to well-placed market sources, Gerald Bland was not involved in Adrian Bland’s appointment and the pair’s style of leadership is hugely different.
Wragges senior partner Quentin Poole denied that Gerald Bland’s departure was the result of a power struggle. He argued that he had been recruited to build the London property practice and now that job was done, both he and the firm agreed it was sensible for him to move on.
Adrian Bland’s role is akin to that of a chief executive and Birmingham-based. In contrast, Gerald Bland’s role was more outward-facing and was intended to complement his namesake’s position.
Wragges’ London real estate practice now comprises two permanent partners – Peter Thorn, who has relocated to the City from Birmingham, and SJ Berwin lateral Sally Pinkerton.
Both Gerald and Adrian Bland declined to comment.
