UK law firm Ashfords elects new Chair

UK law firm Ashfords has elected Tim Heal as its new Chair. Tim, who currently leads the firm’s real estate services division and is a member of the firm’s Executive Board, will step into the role for a two year term with immediate effect.

Tim succeeds Mark Lomas who retires after 35 years with the firm and nine years as Chair. Louise Workman continues as the firm’s CEO having led the firm since 2020. The firm’s wider Executive Board includes Commercial Services Head Andrew Betteridge, Private Client Head Michael Alden and CFO Philip Strange. Property litigation head Sian Gibbon takes over Mark’s role as Chair of the firm’s Governance Board.

Tim Heal, Chair and partner at Ashfords commented:

“A business’s culture is absolutely critical to its success – it’s why people join, stay and engage. One of my primary objectives as Chair is to support our open and collegiate culture as we continue to grow the firm. Importantly, how we work together to make a real difference for our clients and each other.”

Ashfords’ CEO Louise Workman commented:

“Mark chaired the firm during a period of significant change. The firm more than doubled in size during his tenure with revenues up by over 60%. The pandemic accelerated that change - particularly in how we work with each other and our clients. Our culture played a critical role during that period and will continue to do so as we grow our business. Tim’s longstanding history with the firm will be invaluable to our achieving a market-leading work and client experience.”