Dentons has appointed head of CEE Tomasz Dabrowski as its new Europe chief executive, succeeding Dariusz Oleszczuk.

Oleszczuk served three consecutive terms as global managing partner at legacy firm Salans. The firm combined with SNR Denton and Canada's Fraser Milner Casgrain (FMC) earlier this year to form Dentons.

Dabrowski (pictured) manages the Warsaw office and co-chairs the Dentons Europe corporate group, having been appointed to the role of global corporate group co-chief at legacy Salans in 2011. He joined Salans in 1992 as an associate and was made up as partner in 2000.

He has taken roles on high-profile deals including advising Groupe Canal+ on its €1.5bn (£1.3bn) merger with Polish media group TVN SA and representing Vivendi on its 11-year settlement dispute with Deutsche Telekom, for which Vivendi received compensation of €1.25bn (£1bn).

Oleszczuk's current term ends on 31 December this year. He has held the role since 2005. He will remain involved with the firm's strategy but intends to return to client work.

During his tenure the legacy Salans arm grew from around 405 to 760 lawyers and opened six new offices in Germany, Hungary, Spain, and Belgium, as well as undergoing significant expansion in Turkey.

Dentons global vice chair and European chair Francois Chateau said: "I have no doubt that Tomasz, with his very successful track record as a manager and business developer, will lead the European region to capitalise on the unprecedented opportunities our new firm offers us to expand and service our clients across the globe.

"I would also like to thank Dariusz for his outstanding service to the firm. During his three terms we have seen a period of tremendous growth, including our successful combination to become Dentons earlier this year. His leadership has built a strong foundation for the growth and success of our firm's future."

The news comes as the Dentons board gave its approval to a prospective merger with US firm McKenna Long & Aldridge, whose board has also green lit the tie-up less.

Partners at both firms will have until 14 November to vote on the merger, which comes less than six months after the three-way tie-up between SNR Denton, FMC and Salans went live. 

In a statement, Dentons said:"The boards of Dentons and McKenna Long & Aldridge have recommended to their partners that the firms combine, subject to the approval by their respective partnerships.

"The voting procedures will follow the protocols of each firm and will be completed no later than November 14, 2013."