Clifford Chance (CC) has appointed a new head of European litigation, after former postholder Fabian Von Schlabrendorff stepped down.

Amsterdam-based litigator Jeroen Ouwehand takes over from Frankfurt-based Von Schlabrendorff, who led the practice for the last 10 years before opting to retire from the partnership and take up a role as counsel.

The role, which has no fixed term, will see Ouwehand run the magic circle firm's disputes practice in Europe. Ouwehand also leads the firm's Dutch disputes practice, which he aims to expand over the next two years.

He told Legal Week: "I am homegrown CC and I like the international opportunities that the firm offers. It is great to be involved in cross-border litigation, dealing with other jurisdictions and countries."

Von Schlabrendorff said: "From time to time you have to make room for younger people. I see Ouwehand as a very able successor and I would like to see him continue to bring our litigators together in a fully integrated team."

News of Ouwehand's appointment came as CC elected Paris managing partner Yves Wehrli to the firm's management committee. Wehrli will serve a four-year term starting from 1 March, representing the interests of offices across Continental Europe other than Germany, which is represented by Hans-Josef Schneider. The change came following wider changes to CC's governance structure.

The management committee is led by managing partner David Childs and includes 14 further partners, as well as finance director Stephen Purse and director of global business services Amanda Burton.