The General Council of the Bar (Bar Council) is delighted to announce the appointment of Jim Morris CB DSO as its next Chief Executive, taking over from Malcolm Cree CBE who is retiring after 8 years at the head of the organisation.
Jim will join the Bar Council on 23 March 2026 from VoCoVo, a rapidly scaling retail communications technology company, where he is Chief of Staff and Strategic Adviser. Jim spent the majority of his career in the Royal Marines where he led military organisations at every level, including the UK's Standing Joint Force Headquarters, and served as the military assistant to two Defence Secretaries and as the first Military Assistant to the Prime Minister since World War II.
Jim brings a wealth of leadership experience. For his leadership in Afghanistan, Jim was appointed as a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order in 2009. He was subsequently appointed as a Companion of the Order of the Bath in 2023. Jim is also a volunteer mentor for ‘A Band of Brothers’, a charity which mentors young men in the margins of the criminal justice system.
As Chief Executive, Jim will be responsible for leading the senior management team to deliver the Bar Council’s overall strategy and oversee day-to-day operations.
Commenting on the appointment, Chair of the Bar Council Barbara Mills KC said:
“We are 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.
“The Bar Council and our members look forward to working closely with Jim to deliver on our mission and strengthen our impact. This appointment marks an exciting moment for our members, our partners, and the communities we serve.
“I also want to pay tribute to Malcolm Cree. Malcolm has done a fantastic job in leading the Bar Council over the past 8 years, strengthening our voice as the representative body for barristers and modernising the way the small but busy staff team performs. On behalf of the Bar, I thank Malcolm for his excellent service to our profession and wish him all the very best in his retirement.”
Jim Morris said:
"I am 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.
“I look forward to working closely with the Chair, the officers and committee members of the Bar Council, and colleagues across the profession as together, we shape the future of a strong and independent Bar."
About Jim Morris CB DSO
Jim Morris joined the Royal Marines in 1987 and served in a wide variety of appointments including frontline operational service, training, human resource management, financial oversight and capability development roles. He led military organisations at every level including 45 Commando, 3 Commando Brigade and the UK's Standing Joint Force Headquarters. He also served as the military assistant to two Defence Secretaries and, in 2010, as the first Military Assistant to the Prime Minister since World War II. For his leadership in Afghanistan, he was appointed as a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order in 2009. He was subsequently appointed as a Companion of the Order of the Bath in 2023.
After leaving the Armed Forces Jim joined World Sailing where he served as the Director of Events. He has subsequently served as the Chief of Staff and Strategic Adviser for VoCoVo, a rapidly scaling retail communications technology company.
Outside of work Jim is a volunteer mentor for ‘A Band of Brothers’, a charity which mentors young men in the margins of the criminal justice system.