Dickinson Dees has installed corporate recovery chief Jonathan Blair as its new managing partner with veteran leader Neil Braithwaite standing down after ten years in the role, the northeast giant announced today (4 October).

The appointment, which follows management elections last month, will see Blair take over at the helm in the new year. Robin Bloom continues in his role as the top 50 firm's senior partner.

Blair, who joined the 78-partner Newcastle outfit in 1989 from Wragge & Co, has been part of its senior management team for the last three years.

He has also led the corporate recovery practice for 10 years, attracting clients such as Deloitte, KPMG and the Department of Trade and Industry.

Commenting on his appointment, Blair said: "It is an honour to take up the position of managing partner, especially at such an exciting time for the firm."

Braithwaite has overseen a solid period of growth during his ten-year tenure as managing partner with the firm recording a 14% rise in average profits per equity partner last year to hit £366,000, with the firm's fee income standing at £56m.

Braithwaite said: "Jonathan has the ideal mix of experience, dedication and passion to drive the next stage of Dickinson Dees' growth, having played an integral part in the partnership over the past years."

The past 12 months has also been a period of geographical expansion for Dickinson Dees with the firm opening new offices in London and York following a surprise merger deal with local corporate boutique Philip Ashworth & Co.

Earlier this year the firm unveiled plans to hive off its entire £6.5m volume business as part of a wider restructuring of its UK practice.