City firm Speechly Bircham will open its first international office next year, with the most likely location being in the Middle East.
The firm has appointed Lesley MacDonagh, former managing partner of Hogan Lovells legacy firm Lovells, as a non-executive member, to help advise on what it describes as an “ambitious growth strategy”.
MacDonagh led Lovells from 1994-2005 during a period of rapid expansion that saw the firm champion an aggressive international growth strategy.
After leaving Lovells, MacDonagh took up non-executive posts at London-listed Segro and Bovis Homes.
MacDonagh will continue to hold non-executive posts at accountancy company BDO Stoy Hayward and offshore firm Ogier.
Speechly managing partner Michael Lingens commented: “Lesley has already contributed to the development of our thinking as a business, and her experience in professional service organisations and listed companies will be invaluable as the firm continues to grow in the UK and internationally.”
Lingens would not confirm the location of the firm’s new office, but said: “We’re looking to grow in private wealth, financial services, real estate and construction – that should give you a clue as to where we’re going.”