Herbies appoints new head of real estate

Herbert Smith has made Ian Cox its new head of real estate. Current group head Iain Rothnie will stand down on 1 July after two and a half years in the post. Rothnie will now focus on developing the practice internationally and building up links with sovereign wealth funds. Rothnie, who was previously executive partner at the firm, said: "I'm very much looking forward to returning to full-time fee-earning after eight years in management roles. In Ian Cox we have exactly the right blend of experience, practice management and leadership skills to take the division forward." Cox's practice is focused on real estate investment and property finance and he counts Moorfield Group and Rockpoint among his clients.