Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) has lost corporate head David Collins, who is set to leave the firm at the end of October.

Collins was bested in BLP's managing partner election in February by employment head Lisa Mayhew and will now depart the firm after 20 years.

In a statement BLP thanked Collins for his "loyalty, dedication and commitment during his time at the firm", adding that he is leaving the corporate finance group having hit targets for revenue and profit last financial year.

The firm said it would announce a replacement for Collins shortly after "proper consultation with the corporate partners".

It is unclear where Collins will go following his departure.

Collins took the reins of the corporate group in 2013, succeeding John Bennett who went on to become the BLP's international business partner. Collins previously served a 12-year stint as corporate finance head.

Profit per equity partner at the firm grew by 22% in the 2014-15 financial year despite several senior exits, including head of EU and competition David Harrison, who left for Mayer Brown in April.

Mayhew began her term as managing partner last month, with former managing partner Neville Eisenberg stepping into the senior partner role at the firm.