Irwin Mitchell (IM) has named Craig Marshall as its new group chief executive officer following the death of its former CEO last month after an unexpected illness. 

“Following the sad loss of our former group CEO, Andrew Tucker, the non-executive directors of Irwin Mitchell group can now confirm the appointment of Craig Marshall as its new group CEO,” the firm said yesterday (14 September). 

Marshall joined IM in 2007 when the firm merged with Scottish law firm Golds before being appointed CEO of IM’s personal legal services division from 2014 to April 2021. He then became group chief operating officer in 2021.

For his part Tucker became IM’s CEO in 2014 and spent almost 40 years at the firm in total. During his time at the helm Tucker oversaw the Sheffield-based firm’s expansion through a number of mergers with smaller firms, including Mayfair boutique Berkeley Law in 2014 and the next year with Thomas Eggar, moves that created one of the UK’s top private client offerings. 

He also oversaw significant revenue growth, with group turnover reaching £276.4m in the year to 30 April, up from £210.6m in 2015 the year after he took over. 

Marshall commented: “I’m delighted and honoured to have been appointed by [chairman Glyn Barker] and the Irwin Mitchell Holdings board and would like to thank them for affording me this opportunity to lead us through the next stage of our evolution.

“I’m committed to developing the strategy for the group, recognising our strengths and investing for our future. We have exciting plans in place to continue to strengthen our market position, including our continued investment in new talent across the business, and most recently highlighted through our investment in Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie, and with more to come.

“In the coming days and weeks, I will ensure a smooth transition into my new role, working closely with the board and colleagues from across the group.”

IM announced last week that it was acquiring Scottish independent Wright Johnston & Mackenzie, a deal that will see the firm add around 95 professionals across five Scottish offices and more than £11m in annual revenue.