International law firm Wotton Kearney has appointed the former managing partner of King & Wood Mallesons in Australia, and former global legal services leader at PwC, as its new chair and as a non-executive director.
Tony O’Malley has been appointed as the new chair of the board of Wotton Kearney (WK), bringing a quarter century of senior leadership experience, a deep understanding of the legal industry and a passion for building high-performance businesses across national boundaries, the firm said in a statement.
He previously served as the managing partner of King & Wood Mallesons in Australia, playing a key role in its regional merger over a decade ago. More recently, he was the global legal services leader at PwC, overseeing a major global strategy refresh for the business.
The appointment was effective 1 July.
The news follows the firm’s taking of a partner from global rival Clyde & Co to open an office in Bangkok in May, its appointment of a government partner from Clayton Utz in February, and its nabbing of a financial lines team from Clyde & Co back in December.
Wotton Kearney’s chief executive partner, David Kearney, said that in his role as chair, “Tony will draw on his significant experience across law, business and consulting to help guide our next chapter and align with our values and trailblazing ambitions”.
O’Malley said: “Wotton Kearney has built an impressive, high-growth business with strong leadership, a clear focus and a reputation for innovation.
“I look forward to working with the board and executive team to help guide the firm’s continued growth and deliver on its long-term strategy.”
Outgoing chair, Steve Gledden, will remain on the firm’s board and continue as managing director of WK’s private equity business partner, Straight Bat.
He said: “It has been a privilege to serve as chair during a period of significant growth and strategic evolution for Wotton Kearney.
“I’m proud of the courageous decisions we’ve made, from investing in legal tech to expanding our geographic footprint, and I look forward to continuing to support the firm’s success as a non-executive director.”
Kearney said: “Thank you to Steve Gledden for his leadership as chair. His impact on our growth and support for key decisions has helped shape the legal business we are today.
“I know he will continue to make a very valuable contribution to our desire to become an even better business partner for our clients as we grow our international footprint.”
Wotton Kearney has almost 100 partners and more than 500 lawyers across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Thailand.
Jerome Doraisamy is the managing editor of Lawyers Weekly and HR Leader. He is also the author of The Wellness Doctrines book series, an admitted solicitor in New South Wales, and a board director of the Minds Count Foundation.
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