Michael Todd QC has taken over as head of Erskine Chambers, following John Cone QC's decision to step down last month after more than five years in the role.

Todd, who took up an open-ended term this week (4 April), stood uncontested for the role as the second most senior member of Erskine Chambers.

Todd, who was called to the Bar in 1977 and took silk in 1997, served as chairman of the Chancery Bar Association between 2007 and 2010. In October last year he was named chairman-elect of the Bar Council following a contested vote.

He took up the vice chairman post on 1 January this year and is set to progress to become Bar Council chair on 1 January 2012.

He specialises in company law, corporate finance, capital markets and corporate insolvency.

Todd commented: "Erskine is recognised as one of the top company chambers, and I would like to take advantage of opportunities to grow further, especially in litigation."

Cone, whose main areas of work include the reorganisation of capital by public, listed and private companies, financial services, as well as insolvencies and liquidations, is returning to full-time client work.