More upheaval is taking place at the UK’s highest-profile group claims firm, with the departure of a founding partner.

Pogust Goodhead said this month that Harris Pogust had stepped down from his position as chairman after six years. The US entrepreneur had ceased any active involvement in the UK in March and said he had now retired from the post while continuing with other projects.

The confirmation of his exit comes at a time when the firm is consulting on hundreds of potential redundancies at its UK and Brazil offices, with proposals to cut around 20% of the total workforce.

Although Pogust was not directly involved in the firm’s operation this year, he had been a high-profile figurehead at its helm and a media presence for his apparently lavish lifestyle. In April, the Mail Online reported on his ‘jet set life’ of flying by private aircraft, working overlooking the ocean and buying a six-bedroom, eight-bathroom mansion.

He founded Pogust Goodhead with England and Wales barrister Tom Goodhead and the pair established a business through more than $300m in financial backing with work in progress of more than $5bn. It has spearheaded the massive group diesel claims against car manufacturers and litigation relating to the Mariana dam disaster in Brazil.

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The firm pledged earlier this year that a new equity programme could enable lawyers to earn up to £2m depending on the outcome of big cases.

In October, Pogust, a litigator for 25 years, founded the charity Trial Lawyers For a Better Tomorrow in the US state of Pennsylvania, aimed at bringing together groups to enable children to reach their fullest educational potential.

He said: ‘Over the past six years we have built Pogust Goodhead into the world’s premier group litigation firm. We have helped defend the rights of those who cannot defend themselves against the misdeeds of big business. At this time in my life, I want to devote more time and energy to my philanthropic endeavours.

‘I look forward to watching Tom lead the firm for many more years and obtain success on behalf of millions of people who would otherwise not have access to justice.’

Goodhead paid tribute to his former partner, saying he had played a fundamental part in getting the firm to where it is today. ‘Harris’ generosity of spirit, his constant encouragement and support to myself and everyone in the team have been invaluable,’ he added. ‘Thanks to him we are taking on some of the biggest companies in the world to make a difference to the lives of millions of people.’