Pinsent Masons refreshes global board electing two new members

The appointees, who took up their posts following a firm wide partner vote, will play a critical role in embedding the firm's strategy and enhancing its position as a purpose-led, professional services business with law at the core.

Amongst other roles, Amongst other roles, Clare Francis leads the firm's Brexit Advisory Group and Covid-19 Taskforce. Having joined the firm in 2001 and being made partner in 2015 Clare has played a vital role in leading the firm's response to global economic and political issues that have firm wide import. leads the firm's Brexit Advisory Group and Covid-19 Taskforce. Having joined the firm in 2001 and being made partner in 2015 Clare has played a vital role in leading the firm's response to global economic and political issues that have firm wide import.

Infrastructure partner Fraser McMillan leads the firm's Australian construction practice having moved to Sydney from Glasgow in 2018. Since joining the firm in 1998 Fraser has been head of the Glasgow office and head of the firm's construction advisory disputes group.

Senior partner at Pinsent Masons, Richard Foley, said:

"Diversity of thought at senior leadership level is vital for a multinational business that is genuinely dedicated to doing business differently. Clare and Fraser will bring fresh perspective to the firm's global board and will help enhance clear direction of our firm wide strategy to become a purpose-led, professional services business with law at the core.

"These are challenging times for every business and ours is no exception and I'm confident our new board members will make a valuable contribution to our response to the pandemic, helping the business navigate the complex issues that impact our people and our clients."

Clare and Fraser replace Head of Middle East Catherine Workman and Melbourne-based real estate partner David Rennick who have completed their terms.

Clare Francis said: "Our support for clients throughout the pandemic and beyond cannot purely be based on blackletter law. Providing a range of professional services - such as tech, diversity and inclusion consultancy and project management - has and will continue to play a major role in how we help businesses emerge resilient from this crisis. I am looking forward to playing a part in implementing the firm's strategy as we prepare for a future after the pandemic."

Commenting on his appointment Fraser McMillan said: "We operate in highly competitive markets where we must constantly evolve to ensure we can collaborate with our clients and the communities in which we operate in a way that is relevant to the challenges and opportunities they face. I am excited about taking on this new role and working with all of our people to support the business."