Dentons has appointed London partner Jeremy Cohen to succeed Matthew Jones as UKMEA chief executive officer (CEO).

The appointment comes after the firm announced in February that Jones was stepping down from the role when his term ends on 15 March.

Cohen will take responsibility for the UK, Middle East and Africa (UKMEA) region of the firm. Last week, the UKMEA partnership unanimously approved his appointment following a recommendation from the regional board.

Jones will continue to serve on Dentons' global board and will remain a partner at the firm.

Cohen said it was a "great privilege" to be appointed as UKMEA chief executive at "a pivotal moment in our firm's history"

He added: "I am looking forward to leading our region through the next stage of the firm's development and ensuring this transformative opportunity is leveraged for the benefit of our clients and, ultimately, us all."

Cohen has served on the firm's UKMEA regional board since 2011, and the regional management committee since its formation in 2014.

Following his appointment as CEO Cohen will step down from his role as head of UKMEA corporate and technology, media and telecoms division. The firm has not yet named who will now take up the post.

Joe Andrew, Dentons' global chair, said: "Jeremy has been an impactful leader at the firm for many years. Whether leading a key division at the firm or serving on our UKMEA Board, Jeremy has been a significant part of the UKMEA region's recent success."

Jones has held the role for four years, leading the region through two combinations. He held the position during the merger of SNR Denton, Salans and Fraser Milner Casgrain to form Dentons in 2013 and the firm's combination with Chinese firm Dacheng, announced last month.