Simmons & Simmons has elected City finance head Jeremy Hoyland as its next managing partner.

Hoyland (pictured) will replace outgoing managing partner Mark Dawkins from 1 May next year, when his term comes to an end. He has been appointed for a four-year term.

The vote, which closed last night (9 December) saw Hoyland see off competition from Germany country head Hans-Hermann Aldenhoff, who was the only other candidate in the race.

Both candidates have spent the last three weeks travelling around the firm's offices and meeting with partners to put forward their election platforms.

However; Hoyland said it was too early to discuss his plans for the role.

Hoyland said: "I am delighted and very much looking forward to the challenge."

Hoyland joined Simmons in 1989 as a trainee, making partner in 1997. He served as head of international finance based in the firm's Hong Kong office from 1998 to 2001. He was appointed head of Simmons financial institutions sector in 2005.

Simmons & Simmons senior partner David Dickinson, said: ''Jeremy brings considerable international experience and management expertise to the role. I am confident that his drive and ambition for the firm will deliver our international strategy. Mark Dawkins has made a formidable contribution to the firm over the past six years, and has been integral to the firm's progress. I would like to thank Mark for his strong leadership and many achievements during his two terms."

The news comes as Simmons gears up to elect a new senior partner, with current post-holder David Dickinson's term up in August next year.

So far, City litigator Colin Passmore is understood to be the only candidate in an election process that will kick off in the New Year. Dawkins is expected to run for the position, although he has yet to announce his intentions.