British Energy general counsel Robert Armour has resigned after 20 years with the company, as the organisation nears the end of an overhaul of its legal function in the wake of its takeover by EDF.

Armour has been replaced by British Energy's former head of legal Jean MacDonald, who becomes general counsel and company secretary at the newly-merged EDF Energy.

The broader legal function under MacDonald is still under discussion as the two companies prepare to complete their integration.

French energy giant EDF took over British Energy last year in a £12.5bn deal that generated roles for a raft of major firms including Herbert Smith, Lovells, White & Case and Sullivan & Cromwell, with Herbert Smith taking the lead for EDF and Clifford Chance acting for British Energy.

Armour joined Scottish Nuclear in 1990 and subsequently became company secretary, general counsel and corporate affairs director at British Energy after its 1996 privatisation. It is not clear what his next move will be but it is understood that he is considering a portfolio of roles.

Bill Coley, managing director of British Energy, said: "If wanyone could write the book on British Energy, Robert could. He's been a tower of strength for nigh on 20 years, from before privatisation through to our integration with EDF Energy.

"His immense fortitude in the restructuring was crucial to see the company through to its current success. But we'll also miss Robert for his humour, his optimism (as a Scottish rugby supporter) and how he's lived our values."