A law firm has made significant changes to its board in order to drive growth strategy.

Thomson Snell and Passmore has announced the changes to further develop client services and deliver its plan for growth over the next five years, when it will celebrate its 450th anniversary.

Simon Slater will become the group’s first CEO, making the Tunbridge Wells based company one of the first regional firms to appoint a CEO with a non-legal background.

Having joined the firm last year, the new CEO has worked with a number of organisations and has made a name for himself by developing and implementing business strategies.

The legal practice is one of the largest outside London, with over 100 lawyers in its 200-strong staff.

Board member Roland Millar will become the finance director of the firm, while Victoria Heming makes the transition to become human resources director – also joining the board.

The growth in the board hopes to build on the firm’s heritage and strong presence in the region.

Commenting on the new appointments, James Partridge, senior partner said: “Simon’s appointment as our new CEO, together with the strengthening of our Board, marks an important step for our future growth plan. He is a key addition to an already strong management team. The legal sector continues to move rapidly and the development of our Board means Thomson Snell & Passmore is well positioned to meet the challenges of an evolving market and changing client needs.”

New CEO Simon Slater said: “This is an exciting opportunity for me to help lead a strong firm with an established reputation built around quality, client service and solid financial performance. We wish to continue attracting the best talent to the firm and be seen as the local employer of choice. I’m very much looking forward to helping the leadership team and partnership to grow the firm.”

Thomson Snell and Passmore has its headquarters in Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, with another office in Thames Gateway.