Bournemouth: Ellis Jones appoints chief executive

Business ‘big hitter’ Dr Dave Richards is joining Dorset and New Forest law firm Ellis Jones as chief executive on an interim, part-time basis.

The appointment, which was announced to staff at the firm’s annual meeting, has been described as “a tremendous coup” by Nigel Smith, managing partner.

Richards will establish and implement the firm’s strategic direction, enhance leadership capabilities at all levels and reinforce Ellis Jones’ culture of client value delivery.

He is regarded as a highly successful leader and serial entrepreneur with a strong track record of business growth in many industries and geographies. He is a globally recognised thought leader, author and speaker on innovation, leadership and strategy.

In addition to his appointment at Ellis Jones, Richards is chairman and managing partner of the Ceuta Capability Group, senior vice president of the Dorset Chamber of Commerce & Industry, co-founder and lifetime member of the MIT Innovation Lab, senior lecturer on Leadership & Strategy at Bournemouth University’s Business School, a board director of the West Hants Club, a fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of the Arts, Manufactures & Commerce, and a member of the Southwest Committee of
the Institute of Directors.

Previously, Richard held various senior executive, globally responsible roles with leading multinationals including Oracle, Nortel Networks, and Bell-Northern Research. He has a PhD in Psychology and Neurophysiology from the University of Toronto.

Smith described Richards as “exceptionally accomplished and highly respected.”

He added: “This is a tremendous coup for Ellis Jones and we’re absolutely delighted to welcome him on board.”

Richards said: “Ellis Jones is a highly regarded law firm rooted in the local community. I’m relishing the opportunity to play my part in driving its future growth and success.”

Ellis Jones is one of the largest law firms in Dorset and West Hampshire with approximately 100 staff including six partners.

It has offices in Bournemouth (Holdenhurst Road and Charminster Road), Canford Cliffs, Ringwood and Swanage offering a wide range of services to individuals and businesses.