Ashfords appoint new Chief Executive
Introduction
Leading South West solicitors Ashfords have recently appointed Ian Daniells to become the fast-growing law firm's new Chief Executive.
Ian Daniells has been a partner and member of the firm's management board since 1993. He was managing partner of the Taunton office from 1993 to 2001, before moving to Exeter as overall Head of Litigation.
With over 20 years of commercial law experience -- the last sixteen of them with Ashfords -- his promotion to the practice's top job will see him driving the firm's expansion plans forward, working alongside Chairman Simon Rous.
Ashfords is the top law firm in the West Country with 435 staff, including 254 legal specialists, and is now ranked in the top five within the South West.
Ian Daniells takes over the reins as Chief Executive at Ashfords from Chris Hawkins who is retiring after 37 years with the firm and overseeing a period of considerable change and growth.
Commenting on his appointment, Ian Daniells said: "The legal world is changing fast and Ashfords is well placed to meet these challenges with our broad base of expertise.
"Our ambitious expansion plans are already underway and it will be my job to help bring these to fruition, building on our considerable achievements to date and working with clients.
"We not only aim to be the best law firm in the region but also will continue to develop our work and reputation on the national and international stages too, bringing work and jobs to the South West.
"With a growing client base, we have already proven that Ashfords is a South West law firm with City of London quality, experience and expertise, and a key advisor for expanding businesses in the region.
"There are some exciting opportunities ahead for us that I will be helping to coordinate across the firm, coupled to a hands-on approach to business development and client satisfaction."
Ian Daniells qualified as a solicitor in 1986 and joined the firm in 1990. Since then he has specialised in commercial disputes, including partnerships, contractual claims, share-holder and fiduciary duty claims and professional negligence at both national and international levels.
Also an accredited mediator, his experience and expertise is highlighted in two national legal surveys
Commenting on the appointment, Ashfords Chairman Simon Rous said: "Ian Daniells has played an important role within Ashfords for the last couple of years in successfully helping us through some major changes, and he has proven himself to be an adept manager as well as being a highly skilled lawyer.
"I will be working with him closely in bringing forward our future expansion plans and making Ashfords the pre-eminent legal force and advisor of choice in the South West region.
"In paying tribute to Chris Hawkins, who successfully steered the firm through the Bevan Ashford de-merger two years ago, his will be a hard act to follow but Ian is well up to the task ahead, and we all wish Chris a happy and well-earned retirement."
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