New managing partner for DLA Piper in city
ACONSUMER goods specialist has been appointed as the new managing partner of the Birmingham office of global law firm DLA Piper.
Noel Haywood has succeeded Trevor Ivory in the role following his three-year term who will now continue with his job as UK head of planning.
Mr Haywood was head of the Birmingham corporate team for eight years and has been leading the firm’s consumer goods, food and retail sector as global co-chairman.
He is supporting the succession process to replace him in that role after which he will stand down to focus on his responsibilities as the new office managing partner.
Mr Haywood will remain actively engaged in his specialist sector and on related client work, advising major corporates and institutional clients on domestic, international and cross-border merger and acquisitions.
He joined DLA Piper in 1998, became a partner in 2007 and went on to lead the Birmingham corporate team in 2014 and has been a prominent member of the corporate finance and wider business advisory community.
DLA Piper relocated its Birmingham team last year from Victoria Square House to the nearby Two Chamberlain Square building which is part of the ongoing Paradise regeneration.
Mr Haywood said: “Birmingham is a vibrant and rapidly growing and changing city and as a firm we have been proud to be part of its evolution.
“I will continue to build upon this legacy by ensuring that our local clients continue to benefit from our expertise, international reach and perspectives and that our international clients similarly benefit from our local experience and execution excellence.
“None of this is possible, however, without our exceptional people and, having now moved into our landmark new office, I will make it a priority to continue the progress already made in creating an environment where everyone feels they belong and are inspired to thrive and grow.”
UK managing partner Liam Cowell added: “Noel has proven himself to be an outstanding and effective leader.
“It is this experience, coupled with his passion and advocacy for the region, that makes Noel a natural choice to succeed Trevor and continue his excellent work in leading the Birmingham office.”