PGC Legal appoints Rod Groch as General Manager to support sustainable growth

Rod joins the firm with more than 30 years’ experience across law, accounting and consulting, including senior operational and leadership roles at Sparke Helmore, Lander & Rogers and Al Tamimi & Company in the Middle East. His career has focused on financial and operational management, governance, business transformation and building high performing teams within professional services environments.

A qualified accountant with CPA credentials, Rod also holds an MBA in Strategy and Communications. He is particularly experienced in strengthening internal systems and processes, supporting strategy execution and building management capability to sustain growth in complex professional services organisations.

As General Manager, Rod is responsible for overseeing the firm’s operational and financial functions, including budgeting, performance reporting, risk management and business systems. He will work closely with partners and senior lawyers to support disciplined execution of strategy and ensure the firm’s operational infrastructure continues to evolve in line with its growth.

His appointment reflects a broader trend among mid-sized firms, which are increasingly investing in experienced professional management as they scale and respond to heightened regulatory scrutiny, rising costs and growing client expectations.

PGC Legal partner Peter Charatsis said the appointment was a deliberate step aligned with the firm’s long term strategy.

“Rod brings a depth of professional services experience that is highly complementary to our practice,” Peter said. “His ability to translate strategy into practical execution, while strengthening systems and culture, will be a significant asset to the firm.”

Peter said the separation of legal and operational leadership is becoming increasingly important for firms of PGC Legal’s size.

“Firms our size face the same regulatory scrutiny and client expectations as much larger organisations, but without the infrastructure that comes with scale,” he said. “Bringing in a dedicated General Manager is how you close that gap while preserving the culture that makes a firm effective.”

Partner Brenton Priestley said the appointment reflects the firm’s commitment to strengthening its operational foundations.

“Mid-sized firms often try to manage operations alongside legal work, but that becomes unsustainable as they grow,” Brenton said. “Having someone of Rod’s calibre means decisions about systems, finance and people are handled by a dedicated professional. For our lawyers, it means more time focused on client work and less time on internal logistics. Clients benefit from that directly.”

Founded as an Adelaide based commercial law firm, PGC Legal advises clients across dispute resolution and litigation, corporate and commercial matters, insolvency, employment, property and estates. The firm is known for its practical, outcomes focused approach and its emphasis on providing clear, strategic advice.

In recent years, the firm has grown steadily, particularly in complex commercial disputes, insolvency related matters and advisory work for privately owned and closely held businesses. Against this backdrop, Rod’s appointment is intended to ensure that growth is supported by disciplined management and robust governance structures.

Rod said he is enjoying working with the partners and team during an important phase of the firm’s development.

“PGC Legal has built a strong reputation for clear, practical advice and trusted client relationships,” Rod said. “My role is to support that reputation operationally, making sure the systems, financial discipline and day to day management keep pace as the firm grows.”

He said his initial focus would be on aligning strategy with execution, strengthening internal systems and reinforcing a culture built on collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.

The appointment comes as many Australian law firms rethink traditional operating models in response to tighter market conditions, increased competition and rising cost pressures. For firms outside the largest national practices, experienced professional management is increasingly seen as critical to maintaining competitiveness while preserving culture and client focus.

For PGC Legal, Rod’s appointment marks a further step in the firm’s evolution from a growing Adelaide practice to a more mature, professionally managed organisation positioned for continued expansion in a complex legal and commercial environment.