Bird & Bird has re-elected its senior management team, with chief executive David Kerr and chairman Michael Frie both seeing their terms extended for a further three years.

The reappointment will enable Kerr (pictured), one of the longest-serving leaders of a UK law firm, to continue his 17-year management role until at least the 20-year point. Frie meanwhile joined Bird & Bird in 2000 when it merged with Sweden's Gedda & Ekdahl, where he was managing partner, and has been chairman since 2007.

Kerr said: "In the face of some of the most challenging trading conditions in living memory we have created a platform which allows us to continue to reduce debt, increase profits and drive remarkable growth around the world. I am honoured to have my position as CEO extended and look forward to growing upon the success we have achieved to date."

Frie added: "I look forward to the opportunity to continue to lead the board over the next few years. We operate at the cutting edge, supporting clients as they innovate new products, services and business processes."

The news come after UK top 20 law firm Bird & Bird last week (21 March) announced it had entered an exclusive cooperation agreement with Australian law firm Truman Hoyle as the firm targets growth in the coveted Asia-Pacific region.

Bird & Bird saw revenues increase by 9.5% to £235m in 2011-12 while profit per equity partner climbed 10.3% to £515,000. In November the firm reported a double-digit increase (12%) in its half-year revenues.