Pensions - Articles - Maclay Murray & Spens hires high-flying pensions partner

 In a significant lateral hire move, David Knox is set to join leading commercial law firm Maclay Murray & Spens LLP (MMS) on 1st January, as partner in charge of its UK pension law team. Knox, who will be based in the firm’s London and Edinburgh offices, was formerly with Dundas & Wilson in Edinburgh, where he led the pensions practice for more than seven years. A keen amateur skydiver, he was previously a major in the Royal Marines Reserve.

 The appointment follows the announcement earlier this month of two new partner promotions. Boosting the firm’s capabilities across the Banking & Finance and Private Client areas, Stuart Fitzsimmons is set to relocate to Aberdeen, with Alan Eccles, a charities specialist in the Private Client team, building on his extensive client portfolio of Scottish charities from the firm’s offices in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

 MMS chief executive Chris Smylie said: “David Knox brings considerable expertise and insight and we are delighted to have him on board. As the regulatory and governance challenges of clients’ pension schemes become increasingly complex, we are in a strong position to develop further our existing reach in this area.

 “David has a proven track record in building a highly successful pensions practice, which offers an excellent fit with MMS’ focus on profitable and sustainable growth. This clear strategic vision is enabling us to build a financially strong firm, attractive to lateral partner hires."