Eversheds has shaken up the management of its real estate group, appointing head of development and regeneration Stephen Sorrell to a strategic role as senior partner of the real estate practice.

In his new role, Sorrell will support client development alongside head of real estate Julie Stobart, while maintaining a strategic role in major regeneration partnerships and projects.

Real estate partner Steve Manson has been appointed to replace Sorrell as head of development and regeneration, overseeing a number of high-value redevelopment projects including advising the Olympic Park Legacy Company on its arrangements for the Olympic Stadium.

Separately, the firm has appointed head of real estate investment Bruce Dear to the newly-created role of strategic head of London real estate. The appointment is part of the firm's strategy to secure new City clients and develop relationships with international inward investors.

Stobart commented: "We have created this role in response to the increasing opportunities emerging in London as its commercial property sector continues to grow."

Dear added: "It is possible to walk across much of the City and the West End without leaving ground managed by us for our clients, including Shaftesbury, DTZ, CBREI, BAE, Stanhope and Qatari and other Middle Eastern investors. My focus is to work with my team to build on this exceptional client base and to ensure that the group's profile matches its achievements."

The management changes will take immediate effect.