Helen Mead has been promoted to head of the corporate finance team at ASB Law.

She has spent her professional life with ASB, having joined the firm as a trainee. She qualified as a solicitor in 2000 and became a partner in 2005.

She was Corporate Lawyer of the Year at the 2010 Insider Dealmakers Awards and has been shortlisted for this and other awards several times.

She plays a key role in the firm’s specialist travel team, and is an elected member of the ABTA Travel Industry Partner steering committee.

Helen, pictured left, takes over the role from Russell Bell. Well known within the south east business community, he remains the firm’s senior partner and continues as a partner in the corporate team.

He will have specific responsibilities for the further development of ASB’s activities within Kent.

The team has recently been expanded by the arrival of Andrew Hoad, a former partner at both Rawlison Butler (Crawley) and Vertex Law (Kent).

With more than 15 years’ experience after qualifying with a City firm, Andrew has particular experience of managing transactions involving both public and private equity investments.

“It’s particularly rewarding to be able to promote home grown talent,” said managing partner Andrew Clinton.

“Whilst Russell is a hard act to follow, I’m confident that the team will continue to enjoy a high profile and great success under Helen’s leadership.

“As senior partner, Russell will continue to play a pivotal role for us, and will spearhead our development and growth in the Kent market in particular.”