Bristol-headquartered Foot Anstey appoints new Chair

Foot Anstey has appointed a new Chair and Non-Executive Director to its Management Board.

Jane McCormick (Former Partner and Global Head of Tax and Legal Services, KPMG) has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director. 

Karen Bates, Partner (Head of Employment | Head of Commercial, Tech & Data) has been appointed Chair of the Management Board. 

These appointments follow the recruitment of Jason Haines as Non-Executive Director in October 2023 – previously Finance and Operations Director at Allen & Overy, and Global Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC). 

Jane McCormick has more than 30 years of experience in tax and legal services and is a former Partner at KPMG. She is recognised internationally for her expert insights into evolving tax landscapes, having previously held roles as Head of Tax and Pensions at KPMG UK and as KPMG's Head of Tax for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Jane added: "I am thrilled to be joining, and am eager help shape a future where Foot Anstey's expertise and client service set new benchmarks in the industry."

Karen's appointment as Chair follows her being elected to the firm’s Management Board in May 2015. She is also responsible for the leadership of over 45 lawyers within the Firm’s commercial and employment teams.

One Karen's appointment Managing Partner Martin Hirst said: "Having Karen as Chair is fantastic news for the future of Foot Anstey. Her role on the Management Board to date and experience leading our commercial and employment teams means she has a unique understanding of the commercial challenges faced across sectors. This will enhance the enabling of our client's ambition, strengthening the actionable expert advice that we provide."

Karen added: " As I embark on this new chapter as Chair of the Board, I am honoured to have been entrusted with the responsibility to lead and guide our talented team in collaboration with Martin. In this new role, I am eager to leverage our collective expertise and drive positive change for our clients and our people as we continue our steadfast commitment to driving the firm towards continued growth, innovation and success."

Karen Bates succeeds as Duncan Ralph as Chair of the Foot Anstey Board. 

Foot Anstey operates from its six bases in the South of England: Bristol, Exeter, London, Plymouth, Southampton, Taunton and Truro as well as a hub in the North West of England city, Manchester.