Ashurst has installed Frederic Pinet as its new Paris managing partner in place of veteran office head Christopher Crosswaite as the top 10 London firm moves to regain the initiative in the busy French corporate market.

The French-qualified Pinet took over the helm of the 12-partner office earlier this month, with Crosswaite retiring from the firm. Crosswaite, who has headed the office since its inception in 1991, will remain with the firm as a consultant.