Mr Malone was due to stand down as chairman of the board in June 2020. Mr Mackenzie’s secondment was also to be terminated at some stage after the congress. He is a public lawyer seconded from the Scottish government. The news has been welcomed by the Board of the centre and ICCA.

Janey Milligan, a director of the board, said: “I am delighted that Brandon and Andrew will remain in place to deliver ICCA 2021. They have been at the forefront of driving the Board’s objective in promoting Scotland as an arbitral jurisdiction and understand the challenges faced with the postponement of the Congress. The Board appreciates the significant work they have both done over many years and we are grateful for their continued commitment to the centre and ICCA Edinburgh.”

Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler, president of ICCA, added: “I am most relieved that Brandon and Andrew will still be in their positions at the time of the congress. I am also grateful personally and on behalf of ICCA for the additional time commitment they have agreed to take on. I am truly looking forward to opening the Congress in Edinburgh together with my successor Lucy Reed.”

Mr Malone commented: “After over nine years as chairman, I planned to stand down in June to make way for new blood at the centre and also to focus on developing my arbitration practice and exploring new opportunities. However, I want to deliver ICCA Edinburgh for Scotland, and look forward to continuing to lead the centre in the coming months.”

Mr Mackenzie said: “For a small company with little resources, the centre has enjoyed numerous successes as it implemented the Scottish government’s commitment to establishing and developing an international arbitration offering in Scotland. It has been an enormous privilege to be involved in managing the centre, so I welcome the chance to remain in post a bit longer to continue my work with Brandon and ICCA on ICCA Edinburgh.”