Freshfields hands partner Stroud key HR role

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer has appointed employment partner Caroline Stroud to the newly-created position of global human resources (HR) partner, overseeing the firm's international HR function.

Stroud, who became a partner at the firm in 2005, will take on responsibility for all of the firm's training, recruitment and 'talent development' from 1 May, 2008. She will also determine and implement HR strategy.

The new role will see Stroud concentrate the majority of her time on HR issues, although she will continue with some fee earning. She will report directly to chief executive Ted Burke.

In a related move, the firm's current HR director, Tim Cole, is set to move into a role focusing more on partner development. He will report to Stroud.

Commenting on the changes, Burke said: "Caroline is a highly valued practitioner and has a set of skills and other attributes that make her exceptionally well qualified for this role. We are delighted that she has agreed to take on such an important job."

Stroud advises clients on employment claims with a particular focus on discrimination, grievance and disciplinary procedures, as well as whistle-blowing. She also advises financial institutions on employment issues arising from regulatory and compliance investigations.

The news comes after former Freshfields chief executive and 'people partner' Hugh Crisp last week announced he is leaving the City giant to chair the international advisory board of Said Business School at Oxford University.

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