Kennedys names new Aussie, APAC managing partners

Melvin will assume his new duties on 1 March, while Wearne stepped into her new role on 18 February. The pair currently co-lead Kennedys’ Australian financial lines practice.

Matt Andrews, who has served as APAC regional managing partner, will step down to focus on his role with the global executive group, as well as devote time to his insurance disputes and commercial litigation practice. Jonathan Wyatt, who has been the Australian managing partner for the past three years, will step back to focus on his practice.

The news follows the firm’s appointment of a new insurance partner in December, its promotion of four lawyers to special counsel and seven to senior associate in September, its naming of a new CFO in July, and its appointment of an inaugural COO in June.

It also follows Andrews’ appearance in October on Legal Firesides, alongside Kennedys senior partner John Bruce, during which the pair discussed why Australia is an “incredibly important” market for the global firm, its global vision and emphasis on culture, and its push to be a “growing force” in the insurance market Down Under.

Kennedys has nearly 3,000 staff across its 45 offices in 18 countries. Down Under, it has offices in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney and a total headcount of 305, including 23 partners. In the last financial year, its revenue grew by 32 per cent in Australia.

Speaking about his new role, Melvin said: “It’s a privilege to take on this role at such an exciting time for Kennedys in APAC. We have strong teams and great ambition across the region, and I’m looking forward to working with colleagues to build on our success, support our clients, and deliver on the firm’s goals.”

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He has served as the firm’s Sydney office managing partner and has a practice that focuses on defence and coverage advice within financial lines, D&O, management liability, regulatory investigations and professional indemnity.

Wearne said: “I am genuinely energised by the opportunity to lead the Australian firm at such an exciting time. Our partners and employees are dedicated and driven, and I look forward to working with James Melvin and our colleagues across the Australian offices to strengthen and grow our practice and continue to offer outstanding services.”

She joined the firm as a partner in June 2024 and sits on its global governance board. Her practice includes coverage advice and defence of complex litigation across financial lines, professional indemnity, regulatory disputes, and class action work.

Andrews said: “The trajectory of our business in Australia and across APAC continues to be exciting. I am delighted that James and Nicole have agreed to take on these roles, whilst maintaining successful practices. I’m confident that they will continue to build on that momentum for the region, while ensuring we remain closely aligned with our global strategy.

“I would like to thank Jonathan for his time in the Australian managing partner role, he has been an invaluable member of our leadership team and has contributed significantly to our growth and our continuing success. Over the last five years, we have had year-on-year growth, and the firm has grown in APAC by 50 per cent (in revenue). With our clients’ support, we aim to continue that success.”

Andrews added: “I am proud of the growth we’ve achieved together in APAC, and I am very excited for the future I know James will create. I pass this role on with absolute confidence that the best is yet to come.”