Linklaters has appointed investment management group (IMG) chief Scott Bowie to a newly created post as head of the firm's global US practice.

Bowie (pictured), who takes up the post today along with a seat on the firm's executive committee, will juggle client work with managerial responsibilities during his four year term.

Some of the responsibilities that go with Bowie's role were shared among several partners in the past but the firm has now brought together a number of areas into the new role.

Bowie joined Linklaters from Latham & Watkins in 2005, taking over the IMG five years later. He will remain in the New York office.

Linklaters' firm wide managing partner, Simon Davies described the US practice as "a fundamental component" of the firm's global offering.

The practice now has around 45 partners and 200 lawyers practicing across 12 countries, covering the firm's three broader divisions: corporate, dispute resolution, and finance and projects.

Earlier this week, Linklaters also appointed Michael Kent as finance and projects divisional practice head for a four-year term. He will succeed incumbent Jim Rice with effect from 1 May 2015.

Kent will also continue to do client work alongside his new role, as well as becoming a member of the firm's executive committee.

The firm has been operating with a sole US managing partner since Jeff Norton cut short his term over last summer, leaving Conrado Tenaglia in charge of the practice in the States.

With Matthew Hagopian, Linklaters US law energy and project finance practice chief, also on his way to Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy, the firm will be keen to enhance the reputation of its practice in the US in particular.