Law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP has appointed Eifion Morris as chief executive of the firm, with effect from 1 October 2019. He will succeed Sharon White, who is standing down after ten years in the role.

Morris is an intellectual property lawyer with more than 20 years of experience. Based in London, he joined Stephenson Harwood as a partner in 2008 and is co-head of the firm's intellectual property practice area. During the last ten years, together with his fellow IP partners both in London and Hong Kong, Morris has built a market leading practice with a reputation for co-ordinating complex multi-jurisdictional litigation for multinational clients.

"To have the opportunity to lead Stephenson Harwood is a great privilege and honour," said Eifion Morris. "The strength and success of Stephenson Harwood is testament to the firm's culture, the quality of our lawyers, and their commitment to understanding and supporting our clients in achieving their ambitions. I look forward to building on the firm's successes to ensure we continue to deliver support of the highest quality to our clients."

Roland Foord, senior partner, Stephenson Harwood, said: "Stephenson Harwood is a long standing and successful firm, and I know that Eifion shares the firm's values and culture, and has the energy and leadership skills to continue to build our business and ensure its success long into the future."

The term of the firm's current chief executive, Sharon White, ends on 31 September 2019. White joined Stephenson Harwood in 1988 and became a partner in 1997. She held various management roles, including leading the firm's corporate practice, before being appointed CEO in 2009. During her time as CEO the firm's headcount has risen from around 575 to more than 1,000 people and revenue has increased 120% percent, from £85 million to £188 million.