Bar Council appoints new chief executive

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The Bar Council announced Jim Morris as its next chief executive, who will be succeeding Malcolm Cree and taking up the role from March 2026.

Morris joins from retail communications technology company VoCoVo, where he has served as chief of staff and strategic adviser. Prior to his corporate career, Morris spent the majority of his professional life in the Royal Marines, leading military organisations at every level. His service included command of the UK’s standing joint force headquarters, as well as roles as military assistant to two defence secretaries and as the first military assistant to the prime minister since the Second World War.

His military career earned him significant honours. He was appointed a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order in 2009 for leadership in Afghanistan and later a Companion of the Order of the Bath in 2023.

Morris said: "I’m delighted to be appointed chief executive of the General Council of the Bar. At a time of significant potential change and challenge for the legal profession, the work of the Bar has never been more vital.”

Chair of the Bar Council Barbara Mills KC said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jim Morris as the new Chief Executive of the General Council of the Bar. His depth of experience and strong leadership record make him uniquely positioned to guide us into our next chapter.

“I also want to pay tribute to Malcolm Cree. Malcolm has done a fantastic job in leading the Bar Council over the past eight years, strengthening our voice as the representative body for barristers and modernising the way the small but busy staff team performs.”