Conyers Dill & Pearman yesterday announced the appointment of Bermudian lawyer Charles Collis as head of the firm’s London office as it continues to build its global business.In his new role, Ms Collis will oversee the London office’s strategic operations and develop new and existing lines of business in London.He will lead Conyers’ London team of lawyers, who have expertise in a range of practices including investment funds, securitisation, structured finance, insurance, shipping and aircraft, Islamic Finance, and general corporate work.Mr Collis will relocate to London from Conyers’ Bermuda office, where he has been a senior member of the insurance practice for a number of years. He has significant experience in re/insurance, corporate and regulatory matters. He has led on many headline insurance transactions and has been a major contributor to the Island’s insurance regulatory framework.Mr Collis assumes the head of London role from Christopher Johnson-Gilbert, who will take on a role as Counsel. Mr Johnson-Gilbert is recognised as a leading investment funds and corporate lawyer in London with more than 30 years’ experience advising on the establishment, management and operation of investment funds of all types, and he will continue in this role on both a client relationship and transactional level.John Collis, chairman of Conyers, said: “Charles is a pre-eminent and thoughtful leader who is ideally suited to play a key role in the ongoing growth of our London office as we advance our presence across Europe. Our London office is of great strategic importance, and Charles’ expertise, network and substantial relationships deepen our existing strengths. We are thankful to Christopher’s contribution to the success of our London office and warmly welcome Charles in his new role.”Charles Collis said: “I look forward to building on Conyers’ considerable momentum and achievements in the London market to date. Our priority is to further expand the capabilities which benefit our European client base, providing the highest quality responsive, timely and thorough legal advice.”Mr Collis’ appointment marks a further step in the development of Conyers’ London office, which has grown to be one of the firm’s most important international connections since its formation in 1998. From London, Conyers regularly advises on high profile matters, including the recent $4.6 billion merger of investment vehicle Vallares plc with Turkish oil company Genel Energy International. The London team also recently added to its ranks with the hire of lawyer Veronica Strande.