John McLaren takes over from Rupert Ross-Macdonald who moves to become chief operating officer of the firm. Formerly a non-executive director of Rouse, McLaren previously worked as a diplomat and investment banker in Japan and the UK and in venture capital in the US and has significant board experience in all three countries. He has worked extensively across several sectors, including automotive, electronics, biotech and luxury products. He is also a novelist, a non-executive director of Macallan Distillers and chairman of Eagle E-types.

Rupert Ross-Macdonald who was appointed chair in 2013 will sit on the Board as COO working alongside Chief Executive, Luke Minford. The firm also hired Yelena Tyson, as chief financial officer. She joined the firm earlier this year from Korn Ferry, a HR consultancy where she was deputy CFO of Europe, Middle East & Africa. 

The appointments come as part of the firm's strategy expand its market presence and build market-leading positions in IP Consultancy, IP Legal and IP Portfolio services. 

Ross-Macdonald commented:"John’s appointment is a key element of the restructuring we have been undertaking over the last two years. He’s been an invaluable contributor in his non-executive role already, and I’m greatly looking forward to working with him as Chairman while I focus on our growing operations”