Linklaters has appointed Paris managing partner Arnaud de La Cotardiere as the new head of the firm's commercial practice.

He will start a four-year term with immediate effect, replacing John Turnbull, who was recently appointed Americas head.

De La Cotadiere (pictured) will step down as managing partner of the firm's Paris base when a successor is appointed, with a decision expected in the next few weeks. He will continue to fee earn in the firm's litigation practice.

His new role will see him join the Linklaters' executive committee, the 11-member body chaired by managing partner Simon Davies that drives the magic circle firm's strategy.

Linklaters' global commercial division, one of three core groups at the magic circle firm, houses more than 550 fee earners and covers intellectual property, litigation, real estate and construction, tax and technology, media and telecommunications.

Davies commented: "I am delighted to welcome Arnaud into his new role. With his tremendous experience in both practice and management, together with significant client expertise, Arnaud will be a strong asset to our leadership team."

Linklaters has recently shuffled a number of its top-level jobs with Jeremy Parr recently appointed as global head of corporate, replacing David Barnes, while the top global litigation role has been taken by Marc Harvey, who replaced Brussels-based partner Francoise Lefevre.

Meanwhile India chief Sandeep Katwala was named as the new managing partner of the firm's Emerging Europe, Middle East and Africa practice, replacing Stuart Salt who took over the reigns in Asia.