Des will work alongside newly-appointed managing partner Tim Cross, who took on the role at the beginning of March, with responsibility for the overall direction and management of the top 200 law firm. Des plans to continue the work carried out by the firm’s leadership to build an increasingly profitable and sustainable business with people at its heart.
By appointing Des, who has a management background in accountancy and law, this is the first time Langleys has looked outside its own partnership for leadership. The move is a signal of intent for the ambitious firm, as it continues to develop its leadership and expertise in all areas of law.
Des was previously chief executive at Wilkin Chapman LLP, for almost five years, a firm that experienced considerable growth under his leadership. He also spent many years at Grant Thornton, where he was operations director and chief of staff to the head of the advisory business. Des is an accountant by training, but he is also a qualified coach and has a passion for developing businesses with people at their heart, such as professional service firms.
Commenting on his appointment, Des said: ‘I am really excited to join Langleys after carefully considering my next move in professional services. I am looking forward to working with and developing this fantastic team. I will work with Tim and the firm’s leadership to empower more people at all levels in the business, developing the culture to create a firm of dedicated and ambitious people. This will elevate the firm and help its people, at all levels, progress in their respective positions.
‘With the right culture, values and strategy, I have no doubt Langleys will continue to grow and reclaim its position as the premium law firm in the areas in which we operate. This year will have its own unique challenges but I am excited to build on the good work that has been done over the years.’
Tim Cross, managing partner at Langleys, said: ‘Des has a great reputation for leadership and has achieved brilliant things in his career to date. We’re pleased to have brought someone new into the fold, with a different skill set that can bolster the existing leadership team. Langleys is an ambitious firm with big aspirations and appointing Des is another step towards achieving those objectives.’
