Nabarro has named its first non-executive director with the appointment of former Guardian News & Media (GNM) international and business development director Stella Beaumont to its board.

The newly-created role marks the first time the firm has appointed an individual from either outside the firm or outside the legal sector to its board. The firm said Beaumont's experience in the media and digital space will complement its strategic direction.

Beaumont joined GNM in 1983. She established the Guardian's first online publishing team and recruitNet, its first commercial online venture.

In 2000 Beaumont was made director of strategy and corporate development and launched a ten-year strategy for the business. She became director of international and business development a decade later.

She left the Guardian in 2011and has since held various strategic consultant and non-executive roles.

Nabarro senior partner Graham Stedman, who chairs the firm's board, said: "Stella's appointment brings a new perspective to the firm. Her experience of providing strategic advice at the heart of a sector undergoing rapid change will be invaluable as will her proven international track record.

"Equally important is her energy, warmth and rigorous intellect which combine to make her a formidable addition to our senior management team and a great new ambassador for Nabarro."

The firm has a 12-strong partnership board spearheaded by Stedman and an eight-member executive team helmed by managing partner Andrew Inkester.