Ralph Picken, who specialises in private sector funding for housing associations, has been named the new managing partner at London firm Trowers & Hamlins. He takes over this week from Don Moorhouse, who, after five years in the post, returns to his previous position as head of litigation. Picken spent five years in the firm's Oman office running the banking and general commercial practice. In London he has acted for housing associations in the funding of large scale voluntary transfers. His appointment coincides with the promotion of six lawyers to partnership level at the firm.