Linklaters has named Paris managing partner Arnaud De La Cotardière as its new commercial head.

De La Cotardière replaces John Turnbull, who has become the magic circle firm’s new managing partner for the Americas.

Turnbull takes over the Americas role after previous head John Tucker stood down earlier this year. Tucker will remain as finance and projects chief.

De La Cotardière will now also sit on Linklaters’ executive committee, which is responsible for the management of the firm.

Firmwide managing partner Simon Davies said: “With his tremendous experience in both practice and management, together with significant client expertise, Arnaud will be a strong asset to our leadership team.”

De La Cotardière joined the firm as a partner in 1998. His practice specialises in pre-contentious and litigations matter in M&A, contract law, commercial law, securities regulation and white collar crime.