Law firm Adams & Adams has appointed Stuart Boyd as its new COO. He will be responsible for overseeing the firm's operational functions and ensuring it remains at the forefront of innovation and client service.

Boyd has a career spanning more than 28 years in legal and financial services and he brings extensive experience in strategic management and organisational leadership.

He previously served as COO at Webber Wentzel for almost 13 years after a three-year tenure at Adams & Adams in the same capacity.

“We are excited to welcome Stuart back to Adams & Adams,” says Adams & Adams chairperson Kelly Thompson.

Boyd will also play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the firm’s strategic initiatives and continued growth of the firm, aligning with its refreshed brand identity and ethos. He will succeed Dave Forbes, who is retiring after 15 years at the firm.

“With his expertise and wealth of experience, Stuart is well-equipped to help drive our firm’s growth and enhance our strategic vision of being the leading African law firm in our fields of service. We look forward to his contributions in achieving our ambitions and fostering enterprise within our organisation, for clients and on the continent,” Thompson says.

Before working in the legal industry, Boyd held significant management roles in the financial services sector, including at financial services firms Nedbank and Swisscard.

Boyd is a qualified Chartered Accountant and completed the Global Executive Development Programme at Gordon Institute of Business Science in 2001 and the Leading Professional Services Firms course at Harvard Business School in 2012.

“I am excited to rejoin Adams & Adams and, from prior experience at the firm, I will be working with a talented, dynamic team within an evolving legal landscape.

“I look forward to building on the firm’s achievements while supporting its new vision, mission and values that demonstrate professionalism, innovation and commitment to successful outcomes for clients and the company,” says Boyd.

Adams & Adams specialises in providing intellectual property, commercial, real estate and dispute resolution advice and support tailored to clients' needs in South Africa and across the African continent.