King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) announced today (4 October) that Tim Bednall was elected as EUME managing partner, defeating Gareth Amdor in a two-man race for the position.
Bednall is joint global co-ordinator of the KWM corporate, M&A and securities practice. He played a key role in KWM’s 2013 merger with SJ Berwin, and was chair of Australian legacy firm Mallesons Stephens until 2012. He relocated to London in 2015 as joint global co-ordinator of the KWM corporate, M&A and securities practice.
The managing partner election was triggered after former European managing partner William Boss stepped down prematurely in January with less than one year in the post. His replacement was intended to be in place in May but this was later pushed to September.
Simultaneously, the nominations for the senior partner position are still open, and the names are expected by 11 October latest, with results due before 26 October.
Commenting on his appointment, Bednall said: ‘KWM has come a long way in the past few years and I am delighted to have the opportunity to help shape its future in EUME. My immediate priority is to work with my partners across Europe and the Middle East to drive positive change and growth in the business.’
Outgoing EUME senior partner Stephen Kon also added:’Tim is an outstanding, collegiate individual who has the best interests of the firm at heart and who will bring exceptional experience, energy and integrity to the role. I have no doubt that Tim will make an excellent managing partner with a clear vision for the future of the firm and the commitment to drive it forward.’
Bednall joined legacy firm Mallesons in 2004 and the London office of KWM in 2015. He takes up the position with immediate effect and for a term of three years. Bednall’s competitor Amdor, is London head of tax and co-head of the EUME tax practice and joined SJ Berwin in 2005.
After what can fairly be described as a tumultuous year for the firm’s legacy SJ Berwin practice, it remains to be seen if this result is the new start the firm needs.
To read more on KWM see the feature: ‘Global 100: Branded – Inside the troubled takeover of SJ Berwin‘
