Shoosmiths’ head of IP and creative industries, Gary Assim, has become chairman of the World Services Group (WSG), a global membership network of more than 130 professional business services.

Members of WSG operate in more than 115 countries and throughout the United States.

Its aim is to “maximise business opportunities through cooperation and knowledge exchange”.

Member firms operate in Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, Central America, the Middle East, and South America. Shoosmiths has been the WSG member firm for England for more than 10 years.

Mr Assim, who took up the role last month, said: “I am honoured to be the WSG chairman for 2015–2016 and look forward to an exciting year.

“I would like to express my sincere thanks to the chairman emeritus Robert Falvey for his tremendous work this year both as chairman and figurehead for the network.

“I wish him well in his new role as global ambassador for WSG and aim to work closely with him and the staff in continuing to carry out the objectives of the strategic plan adopted in 2014 and particularly efforts to maintain the strongest and highest quality network membership.”

During Mr Assim’s chairmanship he plans to focus on strengthening member relationships and engagement, as well as increasing integration and heightening regional activities.

He added: “With our new structure led by the global ambassador and corporate team, WSG is well-positioned to continue to meet member and client needs and expectations on a global basis.”