Minter Ellison's chief executive partner John Weber is to step down from his role as head of the firm as of June next year.

Weber, who has been in the job for the last five years, will not be seeking re-appointment to the position when his term expires.

The firm said in a statement that the board has engaged recruitment company Egon Zehnder to assist in the search for his replacement.

It expects to make an announcement in February next year.

Commenting, chairman Bruce Cowley said: "John foreshadowed this with me some time ago. Whilst we regret his decision, we respect his call that now is the time to embark on the next stage of his career.

"John has provided strong and very effective leadership to the firm over a period that has seen the legal market endure both the GFC and, more recently, significant structural change.

"During that time Minter Ellison has grown its revenue, its share of major work and its overall profitability."

John Weber added: "I am proud to have led Minter Ellison for the past 5 years and wish all my colleagues every success in the future. I am planning on having a portfolio of interests, including board and related appointments."

Minter Ellison is one of the two remaining independent law firms among Australia's 'big six'.

The Sydney-based outfit, which revealed a 1% dip in revenue to A$416m (£252m) in July this year, is among a number of firms which has looked to increase its presence internationally in response to growth in Asian markets, and in the last year due to a slowdown in domestic M&A activity.

Under John's leadership, the firm has opened offices in Beijing and Mongolia, launched an Asian tax practice and hired a number of lawyers across the practice.