The head of renewable energy at Bristol-headquartered national law firm Burges Salmon is to become its new senior partner.
Ross Fairley will succeed Chris Seaton, who has been in the role since 2017, on 1 May.
Ross, pictured, left, with managing partner Roger Bull, joined Burges Salmon in 2004 after spending 13 years aa a partner at Allen & Overy (now A&O Shearman) in London.
At Burges Salmon, he has been instrumental in establishing and ensuring the success of the firm’s renewable energy sector team and was featured in the inaugural Legal 500 Green Ambassadors list, along with being named in The Lawyer Hot 100 listing in 2023.
As well as his successes on the client-facing side of Burges Salmon, Ross has been a member of the firm’s strategic board for the past nine years.
He also deputy chair of the UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association and chair of strategic forum at RenewableUK and sits on the boards of trustees of Bristol science museum We The Curious and Avon Wildlife Trust.
Burges Salmon managing partner Roger Bull said: “Ross’s extensive experience and visionary approach will undoubtedly drive the firm forward, continuing our ambitious growth strategy and commitment to delivering excellent client service while maintaining our unique culture.”
Ross described his appointment as a real honour.
“This firm continues to provide a fantastic and supportive platform for people to build their careers and flourish, working with impressive clients to help them achieve their ambitions,” he added.
“I want to make sure we maximise this platform, continue to attract more great people to work here and demonstrate to organisations and individuals who are not yet using us the value Burges Salmon can bring to them.”
He said the “tireless efforts” of Chris Seaton, pictured, in the role, to which he was re-elected for a second four-year term in 2021, had significantly shaped the firm’s success and reputation over recent years.
“On behalf of the entire firm, I extend our heartfelt thanks to Chris for his leadership and support,” he said.
Burges Salmon, which employs around 1,100 people across its offices in Bristol, Edinburgh and London, said with Roger Bull remaining as managing partner until 2028, a consistent leadership was assured over that period.
