Salans has elected a new chairman, with City partner Stephen Finch stepping down from the position earlier this month (1 January) after five years.

The firm has selected New York corporate and commercial partner Francois Chateau as his replacement, following December elections for the law firm's global board.

Finch and Chateau were among five members re-elected to the seven-partner board, while two members were replaced.

Finance partner Finch said his decision not to run again for the chairman role was prompted by a desire to refocus on client work, with a particular emphasis on strengthening client relationships in the areas of retail banking and energy and natural resources.

Chateau, who is a dual US-French citizen, has a practice focused on corporate and commercial and luxury goods in the US, Europe, CIS and Asia.

He said: "As chairman, my goal will be to continue developing our firm's position as a leading actor in the international legal sector with a particular focus on emerging countries, while reinforcing our position in existing locations."

Existing members Pascal Chadenet, Evan Lazar and Herman Meller were re-appointed alongside Finch and Chateau. Meanwhile, St Petersburg partner Glenn Kolleeny and Warsaw-based partner Arek Krasnodebski are new additions to the strategy board. They replace Russian head of energy and natural resources Jane Tarassova and Warsaw managing partner Tomasz Dabrowski.