Charles Russell Speechlys Elects Head of Private Client as Senior Partner
The firm has also appointed a new non-executive director to sit on its advisory council.
By Simon Lock / September 28, 2020
Bart Peerless, Charles Russell Speechlys (Image: CRS)
Charles Russell Speechlys has elected the head of the firm's private client practice as its new senior partner, as well as bringing in a new non-executive director.
Bart Peerless is set to take over the senior partner role in May next year, succeeding incumbent Christopher Page.
Peerless has been a partner at Charles Russell since 1997, according to his LinkedIn. His practice has focused on succession and estate planning for high-net worth individuals and institutions, according to his website profile.
He takes over from Page, who has served two terms amounting to over eight years, and helped steer the firm through the 2014 merger of legacy firms Charles Russell and Speechly Bircham.
Peerless' election follows that of Simon Ridpath, who secured the managing partner position in July last year.
Additionally, the firm has hired Lord Andrew Hay, a former global head of residential at Knight Frank, as its first non-executive director. Hay will join the firm's advisory council to assist the firm on its future strategy.
In a statement, newly-elected Peerless said: "I have had a varied and fascinating career at the firm, working with exceptional people across nearly every office and business group, and I am particularly excited about the focus that I will have on the firm's external profile in my role as senior partner."
Peerless' appointment comes as several firms update their leadership team in 2020. Earlier in September, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer elected its first ever female senior partner, Georgia Dawson.
In June, RPC also elected a new senior partner, Oliver Bray, who was appointed for a three-year term.