PROFESSIONAL Liverpool (PL) has appointed the former managing partner of law firm Bermans as its chief executive.

John Hall will take on the role for three days a week.

His appointment comes a few months after the departure of former full-time PL chief executive Mark Chadwick.

In recent weeks, Mr Chadwick has launched his own rival organisation – Liverpool City Region: Business & Professionals.

PL is also appointing former Liverpool Vision chief executive Jim Gill as its chairman.

As managing partner of Bermans, Mr Hall helped grow the firm from a turnover of £100,000 to more than £5m.

It now has offices in Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow and recently advised Liverpool FC manager Kenny Dalglish in his contract negotiations with the club.

Before retiring from Bermans, Mr Hall was a specialist in commercial litigation, acting for businesses including HSBC and Carlsberg Tetley.

Mr Hall will initially be based in Professional Liverpool’s office in the Foresight Centre at the University of Liverpool.

PL promotes the Liverpool city region as a centre of excellence for professional services.. The organisation currently boasts a membership of more than 70 with an aim to expand to more than 100 over the next 12 months.

Mr Hall said: “I have a number of initial objectives at Professional Liverpool which will include increasing membership to ensure that we continue to deliver what members want.

“To this end, I will strengthen and add variety to our calendar of events.”