Pinsents names corporate head as incumbent takes on development role

Andrew Masraf, a partner since 2000, was appointed after an informal selection process and will take on the role from 1 May.

Edwards, who has held the position since February 2005, will step down and take on a new role of international development partner, supporting the firm’s board and group heads on business strategy abroad.

Masraf, who joined legacy firm Biddle & Co as a trainee in 1993, said he intends to use his time as group head to build on the firm’s mid-market client roster, adding that he is keen to add talent to teams in the Gulf and Asia Pacific.

“The firm already has a fantastic platform and as the group emerges from the recession I think we’ll have a great success story to build on,” said Masraf. “I want to build on our mid-market presence in the City and build our international business, particularly in our offices in the Gulf and in Asia Pacific.

“You have to reach a delicate balance in all of this. Obviously our firm’s reputation has been built on Aim-listing work, and we certainly aren’t walking away from that, but I want to fill the middle ground between Aim-businesses and the top quality work we do, like advising Horizon. I now want us to fill out on FTSE250 clients.”

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Thelawyermag