Kennedys has appointed its first-ever global managing partner, to oversee the strategic and operational management of its global network of 37 offices.

Insurance partner Suzanne Liversidge has been appointed to the new role, with the firm stating that her appointment makes her the first female global managing partner for a U.K. top 30 law firm.

Liversidge will work alongside Nick Thomas, who has been the firm’s senior partner for more than 20 years and was re-elected for a fifth term in 2017.

Liversidge is currently a member of the firm’s global strategy board, as well as the research and development and innovation boards. She also leads the firm’s Women in Insurance Network.

Liversidge joined Kennedys to lead its newly opened Sheffield office in 2010. She had previously been a partner at insurance specialist Halliwells.

Kennedys’ U.K. offices have seen various departures and hires during recent months. In June, the firm brought in a 12-strong team from Norton Rose Fulbright. However so far this year the firm has lost a 27-strong team, including seven partners, to insurance rival Plexus Law.