Herbert Smith has hired a new global chief operating officer (COO) as incumbent John Mullins prepares to retire at the end of the financial year.

David Robinson joined the firm earlier this month, having most recently served as COO of private equity firm Vision Capital. He previously spent 20 years as a partner at Ernst & Young including a period as the accountancy firm's COO for Northern Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa.

Robinson, a non-lawyer, will work alongside Mullins during an extended handover period until Mullins retires at the end of April.

Herbert Smith first appointed a non-lawyer as COO in 2005, when it brought in software company Oracle's former UK finance director Norman Green.

Green stepped down from the role in March 2010 and was succeeded by Mullins, who was then Herbert Smith's chief financial officer. Green is now COO of the Conservative Party.

Robinson said: "I am delighted to be joining a firm with such an extensive history and such an exciting vision for the future. This is a unique opportunity and I will relish the challenge of helping Herbert Smith develop a best-in-class global offer.

"I look forward to working with John Mullins over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition as he approaches his retirement."

News of Robinson's appointment comes after Herbert Smith created a first-time role of general counsel last year, with disputes partner Martin Bakes handed the position last May. Bakes is responsible for risk and compliance matters alongside the arrangement and structure of the firm's limited liability partnership.