Pinsent Masons has appointed Richard Masters as chairman of company operations for Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Mr Masters takes up the key post, overseeing more than 500 staff in Belfast, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, following the death of former Northern Ireland and Scotland chairman Kirk Murdoch this March.

Mr Masters told the Belfast Telegraph: “I am delighted and honoured to take on the role of chairman for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

“I will build on the foundations laid down by Kirk Murdoch, who was a strong influence on me both personally and professionally.

“My objective is to support our lawyers in Scotland and Northern Ireland in maintaining and growing our market share and reputation, while making a significant contribution to the firm’s overarching ambition of being the market leader in the global sectors in which we operate.”

John Cleland, the firm’s managing director, added: “Richard’s previous experience at executive board level and his successful tenure in charge of Cerico will be instrumental in further strengthening Pinsent Masons’ offering to clients in Scotland and Northern Ireland.”