Olswang CEO David Stewart has stepped down from his leadership role, just 18 months after he was re-elected to the position.

Stewart was appointed to a second-three-year term in May 2013. He was first appointed as the firm's CEO in 2010, when it dropped its managing partner position.

Prior to the appointment, he had had been managing partner at the firm since 2007.

Head of European patent litigation Michael Burdon will become interim CEO with immediate effect. The firm has said the partnership is expected to elect a new CEO "in due course".

Board chairman Dirk van Liedekerke, who is also the firm's Belgium managing partner, said: "We are extremely grateful to Michael Burdon for agreeing to step in as CEO. He will have the full support of the Board while arrangements are made for the election of a new CEO on a permanent basis.

"David has been at the head of the firm for more than seven years and he has done an excellent job implementing the firm's strategy and managing the business. During David's tenure as CEO, Olswang has grown successfully, with the firm opening offices in Europe and Asia. He steps down with our deep gratitude for all his hard work and our best wishes for the future."

Van Liedekirke added that the board will continue to oversee the execution of the firm's strategy.

|