Birmingham-based commercial partner Clare Francis and Sydney-based infrastructure partner Fraser McMillan have been elected to Pinsent Masons’ global board following a firm-wide partner vote.

The election of Ms Francis and Mr McMillan replaces the roles of head of Middle East Catherine Workman and Melbourne-based real estate partner David Rennick who have completed their terms.

Ms Francis takes to her new role having joined the firm in 2001 and being made partner in 2015. Among other responsibilities, Ms Francis leads the firm’s Brexit advisory group and COVID-19 taskforce. 

Meanwhile, Mr McMillan joined the firm in 1998. Throughout his tenure, he’s been head of the firm’s Glasgow office and its construction advisory disputes group. Most recently, Mr McMillan has led the firm’s Australian construction practice upon relocating to Sydney from Glasgow in 2018. 

The decision underscores senior leadership gender diversity and strengthens Asia-Pacific representation on the board, according to a statement from the firm, who noted the Pinsent Masons board consists of nine partners and has a 5:4 male-to-female gender balance.

“Diversity of thought at senior leadership level is vital for a multinational business that is genuinely dedicated to doing business differently. Clare and Fraser will bring fresh perspective to the firm’s global board and will help enhance clear direction of our firm-wide strategy to become a purpose-led, professional services business with law at the core,” senior partner at Pinsent Masons Richard Foley said.

“These are challenging times for every business and ours is no exception, and I’m confident our new board members will make a valuable contribution to our response to the pandemic, helping the business navigate the complex issues that impact our people and our clients.”

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Commenting on her new role, Ms Francis said: “Our support for clients throughout the pandemic and beyond cannot purely be based on blackletter law.

“Providing a range of professional services — such as tech, diversity and inclusion consultancy and project management — has and will continue to play a major role in how we help businesses emerge resilient from this crisis. I am looking forward to playing a part in implementing the firm’s strategy as we prepare for a future after the pandemic.”

Mr McMillan offered a similar sentiment, referencing the firm’s avid focus on its key areas of operation. 

“We operate in highly competitive markets where we must constantly evolve to ensure we can collaborate with our clients and the communities in which we operate in a way that is relevant to the challenges and opportunities they face,” he said.

“I am excited about taking on this new role and working with all of our people to support the business.”