Offshore legal specialist Maples and Calder has announced a number of new appointments in its global management structure, while two of the firm’s managing partners are to retire.

Henry Smith will take on the new role of global managing partner in the company’s Cayman Islands Office and will oversee a new Global Management Committee which will include David Brooks, Gareth Griffiths, Christine Chang and Andrew Doyle.

Smith commented: “We have extremely strong teams throughout all our global offices, both in the law firm and in the fiduciary service and fund administration groups at Maples Finance, and we look forward to building on the platform they have helped create.

“We believe this structure is well aligned with our clients’ needs to pursue complex cross border transactions and to recognise our position as a market leader for hedge and private equity fund formation for managers and investors worldwide.”

David Brooks has been placed in charge of Maples Finance as chairman, with Maxine Rawlins continuing as CEO.

Finally, Gareth Griffiths has been given the role of managing partner of the company’s Cayman Islands location, with Christine Chang continuing to take charge of the Hong Kong Office and Andrew Doyle continuing to head up the Irish office.

As a result of the moves, the firm has eight new partners, with four retiring, including former joint managing partners Charles Jennings and Julian Reddyhough.

Jennings commented: “As I am close to retirement age, I feel that this is an appropriate time to step aside.

“My partners are close personal friends as well as colleagues and I have full confidence in their stewardship of the firm."