Irish law firm McCann FitzGerald has appointed Barry Devereux as its chairman to replace John Cronin.

Mr Devereux, who takes over in May, currently leads the firm’s corporate finance group.

He specialises in acting for corporate clients and investment banks on equity capital markets, corporate finance and M&A transactions and has extensive experience of privatisations, having previously advised the underwriters on the 1999 Eircom and 2006 Aer Lingus initial public offerings.

“I am honoured to have been elected as the next chairman of McCann FitzGerald. This is an exciting time for our clients and our people and I look forward to leading the firm,” Mr Devereux said in a statement.

Mr Cronin, who has led the law firm since May 2008, will return to full-time client work.