Stephenson Harwood finance partner Ian Fletcher has been named general counsel and company secretary of leisure and conservation development group Nirah Holdings.

Fletcher began in the part-time role on 1 June and will work two days a week for the group while continuing until next year as a partner at Stephenson Harwood, which he joined in 1999 from legacy City firm Richards Butler.

The appointment puts Fletcher in charge of legal procurement for the company, which currently instructs Addleshaw Goddard and McDermott Will & Emery.

Commenting on his appointment, Fletcher said: "I am reaching the end of my life in private practice. I will be staying on at Stephenson Harwood until next April and then look forward to bringing Nirah to fruition."

Nirah Holdings is currently developing a £400m leisure and conservation site in Bedfordshire, which plans to offer a range of activities and research opportunities at a freshwater sanctuary.