As first reported on 29 May, Konsta was last week appointed after a closely-fought election and will officially assume the role in autumn this year.
The election is a result of current head Richard Dedman’s decision to step down early to resume his role as a full-time fee earner just two years into his second five-year term.
The contest saw influential Barlows partners including Giles Kavanagh and Colin Croly also cited as likely contenders.
Konsta will take the helm after the top 50 UK law firm decided to amend the role, reducing the five-year term to a maximum of three years, with each post-holder able to serve no more than two terms.
He had already played a role in the firm’s governance, assuming one of six seats on the firm’s supervisory partnership council, which works closely with Dedman and non-lawyer chief executive Clint Evans.
Konsta commented: “Richard has overseen a programme of development in which the firm has expanded the breadth of its corporate and commercial practices as well as commercial litigation; and it has done so while continuing to develop its traditional core areas of strength in insurance.”
Commenting on the appointment, ex-Barlows litigation partner Simon Willis said: “Simon is a good choice. He is a very good communicator and he is good with people. He has the right personality for the role.”
The change in leadership comes as Barlows moves to regain the initiative after a period dominated by senior departures and reverses in its long-time ambition to bolster its commercial practice to complement its highly-regarded litigation practice.
The firm is also striving to win more big-ticket commercial litigation to broaden its core insurance litigation practice.
“Simon will be a strong link back to the litigation side of the firm. His appointment is positive,” said DLA Piper outsourcing partner Kit Burden, who left Barlows in 2006 after heading their commercial and technology practice.”
