International law firm Womble Bond Dickinson  has appointed Simon Rowland as the new head of its Newcastle office.

Simon brings a wealth of experience to the role, having been with Womble Bond Dickinson since 2002 when he joined legacy firm Dickinson Dees. Becoming a partner in 2005, Simon is currently head of the firm's construction team, playing a pivotal role in numerous high-profile projects for clients such as Durham University, Bellway Homes and the University of Teesside.

Succeeding Nigel Emmerson, who has been Newcastle office head since 2020, Simon will continue to drive office growth and guide the firm as a business leader in the North East. Womble Bond Dickinson has offices around the country but maintains its biggest site in Newcastle with a 420-strong workforce based at The Spark on Newcastle's Helix development.

Simon RowlandSimon Rowland (Image: Jason Thompson)

Simon said: "I am honoured to step into this role and lead Womble Bond Dickinson's Newcastle office. Nigel has set a remarkable standard, and I look forward to working with our dedicated team to maintain our outstanding service to clients and contribute to the firm's continued growth in the North East and beyond."

During his tenure, Nigel oversaw the Newcastle office move to The Spark in July 2022. The move was one of the first to be designed, constructed and delivered nationally following the pandemic and has provided a platform for the new ways of working.

Nigel: "I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together. The Newcastle office has gone from strength to strength and I am confident that Simon will continue to build on this success. It has been an honour to lead such a talented team."

Simon is the third new office head taking charge at WBD this year, with Jon Bower taking over the position as head of the firm's Bristol office earlier in the year, replacing retiring partner Fiona O'Kane, while Nicola Giddens was appointed London office head, succeeding Jonathan Blair.