Swedish giant Vinge has appointed corporate partner Michael Wigge as its new chief executive.

Wigge, who will officially take up his new post on 1 April, has been acting chief executive since late last year but beat several external candidates to win the role permanently, following an extensive search.

The Swedish firm has traditionally employed non-lawyers in the role – such as the previous post-holder, Bertil Hult, who left to join insurance giant Skandia as Nordic chief executive. Commenting on the new appointment, Vinge board member Bertil Villard said: "[Wigge] has experience of the business, is a well-merited leader and has the qualities the board has been seeking for the important role as chief executive."

Wigge, who joined the firm in 1986 and made partner in 1994, managed the Stockholm office between 2000 and 2004 but previously practised at the same time as carrying out his management responsibilities.

His appointment comes as Vinge moves to financially integrate its offices in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo. All three offices will keep local managing partners – with Wigge responsible for Stockholm, in addition to the firm as a whole – but will be run as one business.

The firm has also decided to merge its three corporate sub-groups – public M&A, private M&A and general corporate – into one practice. Wigge explained: "This way we can give young recruits a broader base. It will help us attract graduates in a competitive market."