Ashurst partner Ben Tidswell will step down from the partnership on July 31, 2021, after 21 years as a partner and eight years as the firm’s global chairman. He has accepted a prestigious judicial appointment as a Chairman of the Competition Appeal Tribunal, the UK’s specialist competition court.
“I am leaving the firm in a very strong position under the leadership of global managing partner Paul Jenkins, his wider management team and an experienced and diverse Board. As a partnership, we have developed an exceptionally well-integrated international business. We have great momentum in the market, and have deep and trusted relationships with our global clients,” Tidswell said.
“Ashurst’s diverse workforce, know-how, commitment to a clear purpose, and positive culture are some of its many great strengths, as we emerge from the shadow of Covid-19 with confidence and energy,” he added. Jenkins recognised Tidswell’s Ben’s outstanding career with the firm and his commitment to excellence in leadership.
“Ben has demonstrated exceptional leadership and client relationship skills, which have played a critical role in achieving positive outcomes for Ashurst. To me, his tenure will be defined by his unrelenting focus on our culture and clients, his strong values, and his ability to motivate and inspire all our people,” said Jenkins. Looking ahead, Jenkins said the firm was commencing the process to appoint a new global chairman for a four-year term, to commence on August 1, 2021.
Tidswell joined Ashurst in 1993 and became a partner in the London-based dispute resolution team in 2000, specialising in complex commercial litigation. He was a member and chair of the New Partners Committee from 2004 to 2007, and was appointed as a board member in 2007 and chairman in 2013.