Watson Farley & Williams has confirmed Chris Lowe and Lothar Wegener as its new joint managing partners.

Lowe, the global maritime chief at Watson Farley, will take up the reins alongside Wegener, who leads the firm's German practice.

The pair announced themselves as candidates last month when incumnbent managing partner Michael Greville revealed he was stepping down from the role after 12 years.

Greville will vacate the managing partner post in mid-January to return to fee-earning, focusing on shipping, oil and gas and energy work in the finance practice.

Greville (pictured) has led Watson Farley since July 2001 after taking over from former managing partner David Warder, before which he led the firm's litigation group for five years.

At the end of the 2012-13 the firm's profit per equity partner dipped by 13% to £388,000, despite turnover increasing 2.3% to reach £102.1m. Its first half revenues for 2013-14 also increased, growing by 12% to £52m.

Wegener said: "The firm's half year speaks volumes in terms of our ability to offer high quality solutions to financiers, purchasers and investors across many types of asset class. Our brand is strong across key global financial centres; our challenge is to build on this strength to develop further in our markets and beyond."

Watson Farley is home to 415 lawyers and over 700 staff. It has a particular focus on finance, maritime, energy, natural resources, transport and real estate.