Aster Crawshaw has been chosen as the new Senior Partner of Addleshaw Goddard, from 1 May 2023, for a period of four years, following an election.

Aster succeeds Charles Penney, whose second and final term is coming to an end in April 2023, having served in the role since 2016. 

Aster is a partner in the firm's market-leading Professional Practices Group in which he is a leading adviser to professional services firms on international structures, M&A, partnership agreements and partner disputes. His practice is predominantly advising the world's leading law firms and accounting firms, but he also works with businesses in the financial services sector, including hedge funds and private equity houses. He joined AG in 2007 and alongside his practice has been involved in many aspects of AG's international growth, including Global Connect, our international preferred firm network. 

Charles Penney commented:

"I would like to congratulate Aster on his appointment and wish him every success. In electing Aster our partners have chosen a leader with exceptional qualities to develop and grow a global business and to inspire current and future generations. With Aster and John at the helm, our clients, the firm and everyone who works at AG is in very good hands. It has been a real privilege to serve as Addleshaw Goddard's Senior Partner and, looking forward, I will continue to work on client assignments and to develop new and existing relationships, especially in the City."

Aster Crawshaw added:

"It will be a great privilege to take on such a key role in the firm and I would like to thank Charles for his exceptional service to AG over the last seven years. I am hugely proud of what AG has become. We are a premium international law firm, providing fantastic service to our clients and a great platform for ambitious people to succeed. It is an exciting time for AG, and the continued focus on our growth, our brand and our culture will be key priorities for me as Senior Partner. I can't wait to get started."

John Joyce, Managing Partner, said:

"Charles has our huge thanks for his great contribution to our firm particularly in his focus on and a real commitment to two things which remain core to our business – our people and our clients. Aster is hugely respected and I have been delighted to have worked with him extensively in recent years on some of our most successful projects. I am looking forward to working even more closely with him to establish AG as a destination firm for great clients and the very best people."

He added:

"Our election process has been very smooth. It has allowed for a healthy discussion with a diverse group of candidates. My thanks go to all of our candidates for putting themselves forward and for facilitating such a helpful, constructive and productive environment in which to discuss the firm's business."

After he steps down as Senior Partner at the end of April 2023, Charles will continue working as a transactional lawyer in AG's Corporate practice, as well as continuing to build the firm's profile in the City and its relationships with FTSE 100 and other significant organisations.

Whilst continuing to be available to help clients in his practice area, Aster will focus on helping to drive growth across the firm's markets in the UK, continental Europe, the Middle East and Asia, with a particular focus on our key sectors (Energy & Utilities, Financial Services, Health, Real Estate, Retail & Consumer and Transport).