Helen Archibald has been appointed chief operating officer and Joanne Lecky is to be the managing director of the company’s trade mark group. They will both report directly to Murgitroyd’s chief executive officer, Gordon Stark.

Ms Archibald joins Murgitroyd IP from Thorntons Law, where she had been chief operating officer since 2016. Before that she was assistant principal at Dundee & Angus College where she had responsibility for HR and organisational development strategy and operations.

Ms Lecky has been interim managing director, trade marks, prior to being confirmed in the role. She joined Murgitroyd in 2002 from a US technology company where she was an intellectual property advisor.

A qualified trade mark attorney in both the UK and Ireland, she is experienced in representing clients in oppositions, revocations and invalidity actions in the fashion, retail, food & drink, FMCG, media and entertainment sectors.

Mr Stark said: “We are thrilled to attract someone of Helen’s calibre to Murgitroyd. Helen will lead business operations across our international office network and her experience in legal professional services will enhance our ability to focus on strategic delivery, operational efficiency and the use of technology to support our growth ambitions. Helen’s background in HR will also be important in supporting and developing the talent within the company, as our people are at the heart of our business.”

He added: “Joanne Lecky is a skilled trade mark attorney, trusted by her clients to support their brands. She has also demonstrated the drive and leadership skills to ensure that our trade mark group remains a leader in its field and responds to the changing needs of brand owners as they embrace an increasingly digital world. Joanne’s appointment reflects the importance which we place within Murgitroyd on providing tangible opportunities for career development, as the company grows.”