Entwistle becomes chairman at WJM

Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP (WJM) has appointed its former chief executive Liam Entwistle as the firm's new chairman.

He succeeds Colin Brass, who has served as chairman for the past 15 years.

Mr Entwistle, whose practice is in dispute resolution, is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Associate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development, and an accredited mediator. He has been with WJM for 19 years and also holds a number of non-executive director posts.

Declaring his pride in taking up the role, Mr Entwistle said: “It is a huge privilege and with it comes the responsibility for upholding our brand values. We value our people, we’re client service driven and we are immensely proud of our service excellence and the trusted relationships we have built across a broad range of sectors.

“This year has brought unique challenges but as we move out of lockdown, areas such as employment, the law of contract and private client work are increasingly in demand, and our focus now remains firmly on guiding our clients as they implement their recovery strategies.”

WJM has also announced the promotion of Esme Macfarlane, who joined the firm in 2016, to senior associate in the firm’s Renewables team. Managing partner Fraser Gillies said she had become a key member of the team, “and we are delighted to be able to recognise her contribution with this promotion”.