Ashurst has re-jigged its German management, with Frankfurt-based Reinhard Eyring taking up a new role as head of Germany.

Eyring, who is currently managing partner of the firm's German corporate practice, will take up the new post in June.

German real estate head Peter Junghaenel, who is also based in Frankfurt, will take over the role of Germany managing partner from the same date, replacing Simon Beddow, who will relocate to London on 29 May after four years in Germany.

Eyring, who sits on Ashurst's global management board, will act as a figurehead for the firm in Germany, while Junghaenel will be responsible for day-to-day management.

Both will retain their practice management positions for the time being and will continue fee earning work.

Beddow told Legal Week that the decision to introduce the new post came as a result of the firm's expansion in Germany, with partner numbers increasing from 11 to 23 since he took the helm in March 2005.

He said: "Peter has strong experience of the firm and also knows the German practice very well. For Reinhard's role you need somebody senior with a good market profile. In addition, they both enjoy the respect of the German partners."

Both partners joined the firm in 2000 from Frankfurt-based Schuermann & Partner, with Junghaenel spending a year seconded to the London corporate practice in 2001-02.