Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has appointed London corporate partner Ed Braham as new global head of corporate.

Braham officially takes over from the current incumbent Andreas Fabritius on 1 August, and has been appointed for a three-year term.

Braham, a private equity specialist who also co-heads the firm's global infrastructure and transport sector group, had been touted as a strong contender for the position. Germany and Central and Eastern Europe corporate chief Mauris Berenbrok and London corporate head Mark Rawlinson were also suggested as possible candidates.

Frankfurt-based Fabritius is returning to full-time fee-earning work after serving two terms in the post, which he took up in 2003. He was initially appointed as co-head of corporate alongside London partner Gavin Darlington but took up sole leadership in 2006.

Commenting on his appointment, Braham said: "In today's markets, law firms need to be highly adaptable and offer their clients something special. Our depth of experience, our integrated international practice and our long-established sector expertise are all important in providing a more valuable service through being better able to anticipate our clients' needs. I believe we are extremely well-placed to assist our clients on the hugely diverse and complex issues that they face."

Freshfields joint senior partner Konstantin Mettenheimer said: "Edward's legal expertise, energy, client focus and strategic vision make him an ideal candidate for this position. We are indebted to Andreas for his enormous contribution to our corporate group, which, under his leadership, has reinforced its position as one of the world's outstanding corporate practices."