Pinsent Masons' veteran managing partner David Ryan has decided not to run for re-election when his current term comes to an end in April next year.

Ryan (pictured), who has served nearly 16 years at the helm of the firm, guiding it through three mergers and openings in France, Germany, the Gulf, China and Singapore, says he intends to remain heavily involved in Pinsents' central management team "to help ensure continuity at the executive level". He will also take up a senior role leading projects.

Ryan said: "My enthusiasm for our business is undimmed so the decision not to stand again was a difficult one. The firm has made tremendous progress towards achieving its 2020 vision since we first articulated it in 2008.