Charles Russell Speechlys has appointed a new managing partner, as incumbent head James Carter ends his term. 

London-based restructuring and insolvency partner Simon Ridpath has been named Carter's successor and will stand as managing partner for a four-year term from May 2020. 

Ridpath first joined the London-headquartered firm in 2007 and has held several leadership roles at the firm since. He is currently chair of the Client Council, responsible for leading the firm's growth strategy.

During his time at the firm, he has primarily acted for insolvency practitioners in corporate administrations, receiverships, liquidations and when appointed as trustees in bankruptcy. He also acts for creditor and debtor private clients. 

In a statement, Ridpath said: "The next few years promise to be an exciting chapter in our growth and development. I look forward to ensuring we continue to build a firm that makes our people proud and delivers exceptional service for our clients."

Carter will be stepping down as managing partner after two terms in the role. He oversaw the the 2014 merger of legacy firms Charles Russell and Speechly Bircham, alongside senior partner Christopher Page, and was later reappointed as managing partner in 2016 for a three-year term from 2017.

Carter will continue as managing partner until Ridpath begins his term in May 2020. 

In a statement, senior partner Christopher Page said: "Simon's longstanding commitment to the firm both in leadership roles and as an experienced and highly regarded practitioner means he brings both experience and dynamism to the role, which will stand the firm in good stead in the coming years."