Norton Rose announces new Chairman

His appointment will follow the current Chairman Paul Giles stepping down on 30 April 2009. Stephen, the current Global Head of Banking, will become Chairman with effect from 1 May 2009.

Stephen has a strong history in the Middle East, both as International Managing Partner for the region between 1985 and 1988, and more recently in his capacity as Global Head of Banking. He was a key member of the team which established a presence in Bahrain in 1979, and it seems appropriate that his appointment as Chairman coincides with our 30th anniversary in the Middle East.

During his tenure as Global Head of Banking, Stephen has overseen the expansion of the firm's Middle East banking presence to include Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and he has been instrumental in establishing the Firm in Saudi Arabia.

The role of Chairman was created by Norton Rose LLP in 2002 as part of its new corporate governance structure. Stephen will be only the second Norton Rose LLP Chairman following Paul Giles' second term which commenced in 2006.

Norton Rose LLP chief executive Peter Martyr said, "On behalf of the partnership, I would like to thank Paul Giles our current Chairman and congratulate Stephen Parish on his election. I am extremely confident Stephen will build on the success of Paul Giles. In his six years as Chairman he has developed and led our key client programme and significantly contributed to our success in building a truly international legal practice."

"In these difficult economic times, it will be reassuring to have Stephen's experience and wisdom in the Chairman role," he added

Stephen Parish became Global Head of Banking in January 2006. Since his appointment the global banking practice has contributed to the increased profitability of the practice and has developed internationally.