Dentons names Kitchen as next chairman

Corporate partner Martin Kitchen has been named as the new chairman of Denton Wilde Sapte, following a contested election with a total of three contenders.

Kitchen, whose three-year term begins on 7 February, replaces Dubai-based partner James Dallas, who will step down to focus on the Middle East energy practice.

Kitchen said: "My manifesto was really to say we need to concentrate in the short-term on navigating us, carefully but effectively, through the economic challenges."

His new role will cover chairing the board of partners, having a pastoral role among the partners and working closely with chief executive Howard Morris to guide and set the firm's agenda.