Tricia Hobson, the Australian Chairman and Global Vice-Chairman of international law firm Norton Rose Fulbright, has been appointed Global Chairman, effective January 1.

She is the first woman to take on the one-year ambassadorial role.

Ms Hobson is a partner and Head of Insurance in Australia and Asia. In the new role she will focus on fostering cross-border collaboration, innovation and client relationships.

She will also be responsible for promoting global diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Global Chief Executive Peter Martyr says the appointment demonstrates the importance of the Asia-Pacific region to the global business.