Simmons & Simmons' human resources (HR) director John Lucy has resigned after accepting a job at rival UK firm Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP).

Lucy is set to replace BLP's current HR director Geoff Griffin later this year, following the announcement that he intends to retire this autumn. Griffin has spent 14 years at BLP and will stay on as a part-time consultant, advising the firm on partner coaching and performance.

BLP managing partner Neville Eisenberg said: "We are sorry to see Geoff retire as he has played an important role in the firm's development. During his 14 years at the firm, we have developed a strong reputation as a great place to work and the firm, the HR department and Geoff have won numerous awards for our HR initiatives. We are very pleased that someone of John Lucy's stature will be joining us in order to help drive the firm forward."

Lucy joined Simmons just one and a half years ago after 10 years at UK top 10 firm Herbert Smith, where he was global head of HR and oversaw graduate recruitment alongside the firm's recruitment partner. He replaced former HR head Anita Tovell, who retired from the firm that year.

One of the last initiatives overseen by Lucy at Simmons went live earlier this month, with associates now able to pick a mentor from the partnership to help guide them through their career at the firm.

Lucy also oversaw the update of Simmons' remuneration policies earlier this year, when the firm's associate pay model was changed from a traditional lockstep system to a merit-driven regime.

Simmons has yet to recruit a new HR director to succeed the outgoing Lucy.

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