Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) has unveiled its new executive team to join chief executive Justin D’Agostino in leading the firm and delivering on the day-to-day management devolved to practices and regions. Two of these appointments are Australians.

Joining London’s executive partners Ian Cox, Alison Brown and the chief financial officer Steve Bowers is chief operating officer Nicole Bamforth – who held the role prior to these changes – and executive partner Andrew Pike, who will continue to lead Australia as well as chair the Asia regional executive and oversee the managing partner for Asia.

“Our aim is to build an ambitious yet straightforward firm, sharply focused on our strategy, clients, markets and people – and strong financial performance and resilience,” said Mr D’Agostino. “By devolving day-to-day decisions closer to the business, we’ll allow people to work in the way that makes most sense for their clients and region.”

Mr D’Agostino said the new executive team has been working on its pandemic response since February and the experience has confirmed the need for this leadership structure.

There have been four new managing partner appointments, including one new Australian change. Anna Sutherland has expanded her role from head of disputes practice to joint managing partner for disputes globally, alongside London’s Damien Byrne Hill.

As part of the announcement, the firm confirmed Australians Carolyn Pugsley and Jason Ricketts will be managing partners of corporate and finance respectively.

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“By engaging and empowering the talent at every level of the firm, I believe [that] we can emerge from [COVID-19] stronger and bolder and transform our business,” Mr D’Agostino said.

Naomi Neilson

Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly. 

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