UK technology giant Smiths Group has parted company with general counsel and company secretary David Lillycrop.

Lillycrop, who was also a director with the group, left the post after a restructuring meant the general counsel position no longer carried a seat on the company's board.

Lillycrop had held the role since Smiths merged with TI Group in December 2000.

Commenting on the departure, Smiths Group chief executive Phillip Bowman said: "David has made a significant contribution to the business over many years and the board recognises the valuable service he has provided. We wish him well in the future."

Meanwhile, the FTSE 100 company has appointed former ICI legal chief Michael Herlihy as its interim general counsel.

Herlihy left his post with the chemicals giant in June 2005, announcing his retirement after nine years in the position. He currently works with legal consultancy Jomati.

The news will be closely watched by advisers of Smiths, which has previously instructed UK firms including magic circle giants Allen & Overy (A&O) and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, as well as Pinsent Masons and Wragge & Co.

A&O advised the company, then known as Smiths Industry, on its merger with the TI Group. Last year, the firm represented Smiths in the sale of its aerospace business to General Electric for £2.4bn, with the A&O team led by corporate partner David Wootton.