Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) head of corporate John Bennett is stepping into the newly created role of international business partner at the firm.

Bennett, who has led the global corporate practice since Berwin Leighton merged with Paisner & Co in 2001, will be responsible for growing BLP's international business, with a particular focus on client relationships in Asia and the US.

Bennett joined legacy Berwin Leighton in 1981 and was appointed to head its corporate practice in 1996. It is not yet known who will succeed him as BLP's new global head of corporate.

Bennett's major clients include Tesco, Legal & General, Balfour Beatty, Schroders, Travelex and Misys.

BLP managing partner Neville Eisenberg commented: "This is an important appointment which arises out of the increasingly international profile of the firm and demonstrates our commitment to continuing growth. John has been instrumental in the launch of our Moscow, Hong Kong and Beijing offices – his international experience and client development skills will be a powerful combination."

In 2010 Bennett played a key role in the groundbreaking Managed Legal Services initiative that saw Thames Water transfer the bulk of its in-house legal team to BLP in an agreement worth £5m a year for the law firm at the time.

The firm agreed to take on 13 of Thames Water's in-house legal team and three administrative staff to carry out all of its longstanding client's legal work.

Click here for a Dealmaker interview with Bennett.