Holland, who was in Dubai and unavailable for comment as The New Lawyer went to press today, is currently also regional head of finance for the Middle East at DLA Piper. 

The firm says Holland's appointment does not represent a takeover of any kind between the two firms, but is a sign of DLA Phillips Fox's commitment to increase the strength of its expanding corporate, finance and project finance practices. 

DLA Phillips Fox Board chairman, Martin Wiseman, said Holland brings leading law firm experience, strong client and marketing experience, and a close relationship with alliance firm DLA Piper. He highlighted Holland's "respected leadership and management skills to lead our firm in its next stage of growth and evolution". 

"His values are very much in alignment with our firm's and we believe he is the right person to lead the firm as we seek to leverage the opportunities that exist for us, in particular in the ASia-Pacific region," Wiseman said. 

Outgoing Crawford, who announced earlier this year he would be stepping down in early 2010 after 10 years as CEO, is leaving the firm in great shape, Holland said. 

Holland said he knows DLA Phillips Fox well, and sees it as a strong player, with great potential in the Asia Pacific region.