Lloyd's legal chief retires before review

LLOYD'S of London's John Mallinson is stepping down as head of the legal department after three years in the post.

A major review of the section will now be undertaken by Freshfields partner Josanne Rickard who has been recruited on secondment.

Rickard will oversee the newly-created legal services directorate, reporting directly to Lloyd's chair David Rowland.

Mallinson, who remains in the post until March, says he is taking early retirement "to pursue other opportunities". Sources claim that his departure is linked to the ruling in Lloyd's v Clementson and Mason.

"It is a mutually agreed position between myself and the Lloyd's management," he says.

"This is a strengthening of the solicitors department. In particular, the taking on of an experienced commercial litigator will enable us to deal even more effectively with the burden of litigation."