Ellison spearheads Eversheds' pension ambitions

National firm Eversheds is aiming to build one of the leading pensions practices in Europe with the appointment of Hammond Suddards pensions specialist Robin Ellison.

Currently a consultant at Hammond Suddards, Ellison will join Eversheds initially as a consultant and will become a partner and National Head of Pensions at Eversheds later in 1997. He will be based in London, but will work with all the firm's regional offices.

Ellison said of the proposed move: "Eversheds already has an established pensions team, and the object is to make it the biggest and the best. Pensions law has become complex and it cannot be offered as an isolated service.

"With the European pensions system moving towards the English system, the European perspective is becoming much more relevant - essentially it is the chance to 'play with a bigger train set'."

It is envisaged that Ellison will join Eversheds in May 1997. He joined Hammond Suddards as a consultant with three partners after the merger of Hammond Suddards with his niche firm Ellison Westhorp in 1994.

Jane Marshall, head of the pensions unit at Hammond Suddards, confirmed Ellison's contract will expire in April. When asked whether it would be looking to replace Ellison, she said: "We wish him all the best. We have one of the biggest pensions practices and we are always recruiting at all levels - the consultancy post was created for him at the time of the merger."

John Quarrell, head of the pensions department at Nabarro Nathanson and chairman of the Association of Pension Lawyers, commented: "Ellison is an esteemed member of the pensions lawyers fraternity - it is a coup for Eversheds."

Eversheds' head of pensions in London, Roger Lewis, said: "Our national strength combined with Robin's reputation will create an unbeatable team."