Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) has confirmed the appointment of Mark Rigotti as its sole CEO.

Rigotti has been joint CEO of HSF alongside dispute resolution veteran Sonya Leydecker since May 2014. Earlier this month, the Anglo-Australian firm announced that it was phasing out its joint CEO leadership structure, with the global partnership council putting forward Australian Rigotti to take on the post alone.

The partnership subsequently held a ratifying vote on the decision of the partnership council, which is chaired by senior partner James Palmer.

Rigotti took up joint leadership of the firm with Leydecker after former joint CEOs David Willis and Gavin Bell stepped down, having held the role since legacy firms Herbert Smith and Freehills merged in October 2012.

Palmer said: "Sonya and Mark have been outstanding joint CEOs following their appointment in May 2014. Not only have they been a highly effective leadership team in driving our integration following the merger, they have also been the architects of the firm's strategy."

He added: "Mark brings the breadth and depth of experience, support and capabilities needed to achieve our performance ambitions. He has the support of the council and of partners."

Rigotti, who joined Australian firm Freehills in 1988 and made partner in 1996, was head of banking and finance from January 2004 until November 2005, and head of corporate from November 2005 until February 2008. He was the Australian managing partner for clients until the merger in 2012, when he became managing partner for clients and industries.

Rigotti will take up the sole CEO position on 1 May 2017, for a term of three years.