Flybe has hired Annelie Carver as its new general counsel and company secretary, after current legal chief Chris Simpson's departure from the low-cost British airline.

Carver joins from Michelmores Solicitors, where she is currently a partner in the firm's business group, advising on general corporate and commercial matters.

She was made partner at Michelmores in 2012 and is also head of the firm's leisure and tourism group.

At Flybe, she will report directly to chief executive Saad Hammad. Her start date is yet to be determined.

In a statement on Friday (25 April), Flybe said the role of company secretary will be held Andrew Knuckey until Carver joins.

Simpson, Carver's predecessor, was in the role for eight years before leaving earlier this year.

The new general counsel joins as part of a raft of changes to senior management, including the appointment of a new director of communications and public affairs, Andrew McConnell.

Last week Flybe announced it is to launch domestic and international flights from London City Airport from October this year.

past advisers to the company have included Addleshaw Goddard, which took a lead role for the airline on its $1.3bn (£850m) order for 35 planes from aircraft manufacturer Embraer in 2010.

Eversheds has also picked up a number of roles for Flybe, including its £200m listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2010.