Mr Gillen, who has spent over 12 years in HR management and over 15 years as an employment lawyer, will lead DEI initiatives across the firm’s UK, Ireland and Hong Kong offices.

Noting that DEI “has come into sharp focus globally”, Mr Gillen said he is “committed to ensuring that DEI remains central to the development and success of businesses”.

He said: “Lewis Silkin has experienced significant growth over the past five years but it testament to a strong culture that we have not lost our identity along the way.

“We pride ourselves on our values of bravery and kindness, which epitomise who we are.

“Key to this is our people and our approach to DEI ensures that each and every person is valued for what they uniquely bring to our team and can shine by being them.”

Mr Gillen has just completed a three-year term as DEI ambassador for the Institute of Directors in Northern Ireland.

He has been involved in a number of other DEI initiatives, including working alongside Working with Pride and Lawyers for Pride.

“One of my proudest achievements so far has been in my role within Businesses for Love Equality in advocating for equal marriage in Northern Ireland,” Mr Gillen said.

“I have been really impressed at the value that NI businesses put on DEI and the initiatives being undertaken to make organisations truly inclusive, and I look forward to developing this even further.”