King & Wood Mallesons Australia managing partner Tony O’Malley has stepped down from his role, effective immediately, and will retire as a partner of the firm on 31 December this year. The firm announced this development in a statement but did not elaborate on the reasons for the departure. O'Malley had been in the top role since early 2012.

Global managing partner Stuart Fuller, said: “Tony has made a significant contribution to the firm for over 13 years, seven of which were in senior leadership roles.  The Board and I would like to thank him for the valuable role he has played in the formulation, development and implementation of the firm’s strategy.”

Fuller said a Board sub-committee had been formed to appoint a new Australian managing partner and that O’Malley would assist in a smooth transition. An announcement as to the new managing partner was expected “within the next two to three weeks.”

In other news, KWM corporate  partner Tim Blue will also be leaving the practice, having opted to retire after 28 years at the firm.