After 17 years at Thomson Playford Cutlers, Adrian Tembel has been named the firm's new chief executive partner. The move sees the former national head of corporate succeed outgoing Brett Goodridge, who will leave the firm to pursue other legal and non-legal business interests in Perth.

Tembel was voted in unanimously by his fellow partners who chose him for his experience, leadership skills, 'intimate' knowledge of the firm and business acumen. "It was the board's view that appointing someone who has built a career with the firm, and has an unrivalled understanding of its business, was critical," said chairperson Loretta Reynolds.

In his new role, Tembel's first priority will be to capitalise on the firm's Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide presence. "These are markets where we see long-term growth potential for the firm. We merged with Dibbs Abbott Stillman's Melbourne office in January, so the integration and expansion of our Melbourne office will no doubt be a focus. I want to continue the transformation from being an Adelaide firm to that of a respected Australian mid-tier firm in the marketplace," he said.