Howard Kennedy is scrapping the role of chief executive when incumbent Ian Harvey leaves the firm at the end of April, it has announced.

Managing partner Craig Emden remains at the helm of the UK Top 100 firm, with current finance director Paul Roberts set to take on the newly created post of chief operating officer.

Roberts, who joined Howard Kennedy in 2016 from Herbert Smith Freehills, will take Harvey's place on the three-strong management executive committee. All changes will take effect in May.