The Birmingham office of law firm Squire Patton Boggs has appointed a new managing partner.
Tom Durrant has joined the practice in Edmund Street this week, replacing Charlie Frost who will become general counsel for the firm's UK partnership from May.
Mr Durrant is the former national head of the corporate practice at Birmingham-headquartered legal and professional services group Gateley and the move marks a return to Squire Patton Boggs after he qualified at the firm more than 20 years ago.
He is an experienced corporate lawyer focused on cross-border acquisitions and disposals, private equity and venture capital transactions, advising international and UK corporates, financial institutions, management teams and entrepreneurs across a variety of sectors.
Mr Durrant said: "I am excited to return to Squire Patton Boggs, a global law firm with a strong regional heritage and a collaborative, dynamic and entrepreneurial culture. The firm has an impressive pedigree in the Midlands and has enjoyed rapid growth in recent years.
"I am looking forward to working with new and familiar colleagues on the next phase of the firm's growth and development as one of the region's premier practices."
European managing partner Jonathan Jones added: "Charlie has led the Birmingham office with distinction and I would like to thank him for all that he has done in the role.
"The office has achieved its best-ever performance to date this year and we have ambitious plans to continue on this growth trajectory."
Mr Frost said: "I have been proud to serve as managing partner in Birmingham. To lead such a talented team that has achieved so much in the region, and as an integral office within our global network, has been a privilege.
"Tom's track record in leadership and business development will be extremely valuable in helping to position our office for its next stage of growth and we are delighted to welcome him on board."
Over the past year, the corporate practice team has led more than 30 deals out of the Birmingham office with a value of £1.5 billion and, working alongside colleagues from Squire Patton Boggs' other UK offices, has been involved in transactions totaling over £4 billion.