Shane Gleghorn (pictured) has been elected as the new UK managing partner of Taylor Wessing, succeeding longstanding leader Tim Eyles, who has held the role since 2009.

Gleghorn, who will take up the role in October, joined Taylor Wessing as a partner in 2006 from Baker McKenzie, where he was a senior associate. He currently leads the firm's disputes and investigations practice and is co-head of international litigation. He also sits on Taylor Wessing's UK board.

His election comes after Eyles announced in December that he would be stepping down as managing partner on 1 October this year, after nine years at the helm. In an email sent to staff at the time, Eyles said he had "lots of ideas that will keep me occupied in business and the arts".

Commenting on his new role, Gleghorn said: "I feel honoured to have been elected by the UK partners who are very clear about our priorities and ways in which we will continue our successful trajectory.

"We will be working closely with our clients and building on our strong sector focus. Our success will be built on teamwork and a commitment to finding the best solutions for our clients. I look forward to working with all my colleagues to achieve this."

Eyles added: "We are extremely well placed to take advantage of the fantastic opportunities we see across our focus sectors and I have no doubt Shane will lead the firm from strength to strength."

Under the leadership of former corporate head Eyles, Taylor Wessing's UK turnover has risen by 31%, from £98.2m to £128.9m, while profit per equity partner has risen by 83% to £770,000. Global turnover has risen by 32% during the period, to £269.8m.

As managing partner, Eyles led the firm's transition to a full equity partnership in 2015, a move that almost doubled the number of partners with an equity stake in the firm.

He also led the firm's 2011 tie-up with Singapore outfit RHTLaw as part of its launch in the city state, and its entrance into Vietnam through a partnership between RHTLaw Taylor Wessing and Vietnamese firm PBC Partners.

Gleghorn has been elected for an initial three-year term.