Ashurst has recruited a new chief financial officer (CFO) with the hire of Allen & Overy (A&O) finance chief Brian Dunlop.

Dunlop, who will start at Ashurst next Tuesday (7 May), will replace Nigel Morland, who has decided to step down.

Morland joined Ashurst in 1989 as finance manager, and after leaving the firm in 1993 to join legacy Wilde Sapte as director of finance and administration, rejoined Ashurst as finance director in 1998. He will remain at the firm to work on matters relating to its Australia integration with legacy Blake Dawson.

Partners at Ashurst are expected to vote on a full financial merger with Blake Dawson – now known as Ashurst Australia – some time between now and 2014.

Dunlop said: "I've been at A&O for eleven years – it's definitely time for a change. A global CFO role in a large firm, particularly with the upcoming merger, is very exciting."

Morland added: "Since I assumed the role of finance director, Ashurst has trebled its revenue, opened 10 new offices and combined with Ashurst Australia. It has been challenging and enormously rewarding and I am confident that Brian will enjoy working with the firm during this next stage in its development."

The news comes after former Ashurst senior partner Geoffrey Green announced he is set to retire from the firm after 34 years. Green is stepping down as head of Asia and returning to London, where he will continue to support incoming Asia head Matthew Bubb, who takes over the role tomorrow (1 May).