Valerie Bowles, Amarchand Mangaldas Mumbai chief operating officer (COO) who joined from the UK in 2009, has resigned from the firm.

“With effect from 10th January I will be resuming my private consultancy practice with an international twist,” she wrote in an email.

In an emailed statement she added: “I am leaving Amarchand Mumbai after four years during which I helped the firm refine further its operational infrastructure. I will continue to advise the professional services sector, both nationally and internationally on all aspects of business strategy and management. 

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Amarchand, and have enormous respect for this iconic brand and its leaders who have made it so.  My time with the firm has added a further dimension to my global experience with unique insight into the legal and business environment in India. 

“I do not intend to take on another full time in house role 8so that I can advise across a broader spectrum  of strategic operations management.  I will have particular focus on Asia, India and the Middle East and its connections with the developed markets.   I will continue to have a base in Mumbai. 

“India has been an enriching experience for me both professionally and personally.  I am looking forward very much to advising in this exciting sector which is undergoing great change, and change usually translates into significant opportunity.”

Bowles had joined Amarchand four years ago, having previously been the chief executive officer (CEO) and COO at English regional firm Langleys and a number of other international firms in the UK and Australia.

Amarchand Delhi hired ex-Mayer Brown JSM Asia COO Jennifer Milford in August of last year, after four years without a COO following the departure of Bithika Anand, who has since started a legal services industry consultancy.

Last week Legally India reported that DSK had hired a CEO from industry to free up managing partner time and handle strategy.