Dallas shareholder David Coligado, who led the real estate section at Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, has been elected chief executive officer of the Dallas-founded firm, succeeding longtime CEO Phil Appenzeller.

Coligado will move into the role on Jan. 1, 2025. In addition to leading the real estate section, the incoming CEO has been a member of the firm’s operations committee and the opinion letter committee.

Appenzeller wrote in a press release that he, the firm’s board and stockholders have confidence in Coligado’s ability to propose new and innovative ideas for the firm.

“Throughout his career, Dave has demonstrated his aptitude to be a thoughtful leader with a strong business acumen, great listener with clear communication skills and the ability to develop and support attorneys and business professionals at all levels,” Appenzeller wrote.

Appenzeller, who was CEO since 2014, said in an interview in March that he informed firm leaders earlier this year that it was time to start transitioning to a new CEO and that he would step down at the end of the year.

The firm announced the new CEO on Tuesday, but Coligado said shareholders elected him two months ago. He said he’s spent the last few weeks meeting with the shareholders to assess their priorities, and he will continue to work closely with Appenzeller until the end of the year.

Appenzeller, who was CEO for 10 years, will return to his litigation practice when his term ends.

As CEO, Coligado will oversee the performance, profitability and financial aspects of the firm and lead strategic planning initiatives. The firm will update its three-year strategic plan early in 2025.

Coligado has a few immediate goals for the firm for 2025, when it celebrates its 40th anniversary. The firm has offices in Austin, Dallas and Houston, and Coligado is eyeing growth in those locations, but he said another goal is expanding the firm’s footprint in Texas. The firm is looking at launching an office in Fort Worth, where a couple lawyers are already working remotely, he said.

Succession planning is also a priority, he said, as the lawyers who founded the firm 40 years ago prepare to transition their practices.

Munsch Hardt, with about 160 lawyers, fills a “very needed market segment,” he said, and the firm’s goal is to continue as a Texas-based firm serving middle-market clients.

With Coligado’s election to a three-year term as CEO, Dallas shareholder William Themer was appointed as the new head of the real estate section effective Sept. 1. In that role, he also will serve on the operations committee.