Eversheds has appointed litigation head Ian Gray to the newly created role of international managing partner.

Gray will oversee the strategic development of the firm's global operations working with chief executive Bryan Hughes.

Tokyo-trained Gray spent his early career practising in Hong Kong. He currently has executive responsibility for the firm's Middle East operations and acts as client relationship partner to two of the firm's most high-profile relationships: Vodafone and Severn Trent.

Gray said it was a "truly exciting time to be taking on" the role.

He added: "Over the next few years, we will focus on growing further our key hubs in France, Germany, Dubai and Hong Kong to complement our operations in London."

On day-to-day operational issues, Gray will report into Lee Ranson, who will continue as Eversheds managing partner.

Hughes said that, because of Eversheds' expansion in recent years, the firm had "reached a stage in our development where we need an international managing partner to drive the business forward".

Gray's move out of the litigation head role means that financial institutions sector group leader Paul Worth will move across to take over the litigation practice.

Banking and finance head Simon Waller will replace Worth as financial institutions head.

All appointments are effective from 1 May.