Clifford Chance (CC) has confirmed London finance partner Malcolm Sweeting as the firm's new senior partner, replacing Stuart Popham in the role from next year (1 January).

Sweeting won the election after securing more than the required 50% of the partnership vote, fighting off competition from German M&A and corporate finance partner Daniela Weber-Rey and City tax partner Jonathan Elman.

The voting closed yesterday (3 November), after the firm repeated the first round of the process, with all three candidates going head-to-head for a second time after a glitch in the firm's partnership deed meant that no-one was eliminated in the first round.

Sweeting (pictured) will serve a four-year term at the helm, and will now chair CC's partnership council.

Sweeting said: "I am greatly honoured to have been chosen by the partners. This is a very exciting time for the firm as we are particularly well placed to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the growth economies in Asia, Latin America, Africa and elsewhere. I'm looking forward to working with colleagues globally to ensure that we capitalise fully on the firm's unrivalled potential to support clients in these markets."

CC managing partner David Childs said: "Our clients are having to navigate an ocean of change right now and they need advisers who can provide the widest and most integrated advice. I look forward to working with Malcolm to ensure that we develop the partnership in a way that drives the firm towards even greater success."

Popham commented: "I'm delighted to welcome Malcolm into the role. I have always considered it a privilege to serve as senior partner for this great firm and I know that Malcolm feels the same. I wish him the very best for what is undoubtedly one of the best jobs in the legal world."

Sweeting, who is renowned for his investment banking links, has been a partner with CC since 1990. He has been a leader of the London banking group and was previously a member of the partnership council between 1991 and 1993.

Popham has established himself as one of the most influential legal heavyweights on the UK business and policy scene during his two four-year terms in the senior partner role.