Field Fisher Waterhouse has overhauled its management structure following a 10-month governance review.

The new structure, which is set to be implemented at the beginning of the 2012-13 financial year, will see the firm run by an executive committee appointed by managing partner Matthew Lohn (pictured) and overseen by an elected supervisory board led by a chairman.

The structure replaces the existing system of a single board comprising representatives from each practice area and a number of separate committees governing areas such as finance and business development. It will also see the firm scrapping the senior partner position, currently held by Nicholas Thompsell, in preference for the chairman role.

The executive committee will include partners and business services heads appointed by the managing partner. It will be responsible for implementing the strategy, managing the firm and co-ordinating the activity of offices, practice areas and business service functions.

The supervisory board will consist of four partners each taking three year terms. Members will be voted for by the partnership and will be responsible for supervising and holding management to account.

The firm began the review in March 2011, with the changes voted in last week (12 January).

Managing partner Matthew Lohn (pictured)  commented: "The firm has changed a great deal in recent years, growing considerably and opening up offices outside the UK. We recognised the need to modernise our structure to ensure efficient, transparent and effective management whilst ensuring the partnership retains control and oversight of the firm."

He added: "We are now in the process of implementing the changes which put the firm in good shape for continued growth and expansion in our core areas."

The news comes after Matthew Lohn succeeded longstanding managing partner Moira Gilmour in October last year, while Charlie Keeling was hired to take on a newly-created chief operating officer role in November.