Holman Fenwick Willan (HFW) has appointed Marcus Bowman as its new managing partner with effect from April 1.

Bowman will succeed George Eddings who is currently serving a two-year term.

Bowman is a partner in the firm's shipping group in London specialising in dispute resolution. In April 2014, he was appointed for a year's term as president of the UK Chamber of Shipping.

Eddings, formerly head of the firm's global shipping and transport group in London, will return to full time legal practice and business development work.

Under Eddings' management, the firm reorganised itself structurally and focused on strengthening its core industry-focused businesses of shipping, energy, trade, aviation and insurance.

It has also bolstered its practice in the construction sector with significant hires in London, Asia and Australia as well strengthening its capability in this sector in Dubai.

Last year, HFW senior partner Richard Crump relocated to Singapore with a view to growing its Asia practice.

He is understood to be the only global senior partner of a firm to move to Asia or Australia from the UK in recent years.