Former SJ Berwin senior partner David Harrel has been appointed as chairman of outsourcing provider CPA Global, it was announced today (9 February).

Harrel (pictured) succeeds Jersey Electricty chairman Geoffrey Grime, who has held the CPA chair role since 2008 and will remain as a member of the outsourcer's board as a non-executive director.

Harrel served as senior partner of SJ Berwin between 1992 and 2006. Since retiring from the City firm he has taken on a number of advisory roles including senior independent director at wealth management firm Rathbone Brothers and non-executive director at both property investment company Wichford and investment provider Kyte Group.

He also sits on the board of the English National Opera and is a trustee of a number of charities.

Harrel said: "This is a fascinating time for the legal industry and a time of great opportunity for CPA Global. Law firms and in-house legal departments are having to adopt new ways of working, which is leading to unprecedented change in the industry. CPA Global is well positioned to take advantage of that change."

He added: "The company has a proud heritage of providing high quality IP and legal services support to many of the world's leading corporations and law firms. As chairman, I look forward to helping CPA Global build on that heritage and achieve further success in the future."

CPA Global chief executive officer Peter Sewell said: "We are continuing to build on our market leadership in IP management and have already established ourselves as a leading player in the fast emerging legal services outsourcing sector.

"This sector is dramatically reshaping the legal industry and represents a huge opportunity for us. David's vast experience with one of the foremost law firms in the UK will be invaluable as we work with an increasing number of corporate and law firm clients to help them meet their changing legal services requirements."

Companies which offshore legal work to CPA in India include Bupa, Carillion, Microsoft and Rio Tinto.

The appointment comes after rival legal outsourcer Integreon appointed legal technology strategist Richard Susskind as the chairman of its new client advisory board.