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New CEO for IP firm
Australian intellectual property law firm Wrays has announced the appointment of a new CEO and operations manager.
Tom Lodewyke
Wrays announced yesterday that its chief financial officer Robert Pierce (pictured) will take over as CEO on 1 July 2017.
Mr Pierce has served as Wrays’ chief financial officer since 2012, before which he held senior financial positions at several companies in the UK.
“Rob is the clear choice to succeed Frank, given his deep knowledge of the business, close involvement in day-to-day operations, and the valuable contributions he has already made in helping drive our long-term growth strategy,” said Wrays chairman Gary Cox.
Mr Pierce said he is looking forward to taking over the firm at this exciting time.
“We’ve got a strong and talented team in place, the market dynamics are changing, and there’s more innovation coming out of Australia,” he said.
“Looking ahead, we will maintain our commitment to being independent, continue to grow a stronger presence across Australia, and build an even stronger client-centric culture.”
Mr Pierce will continue to be based in the firm’s Perth office.
Wrays has also created the new role of operations manager, for which it has hired Tony Wightman. He will be responsible for the firm’s operations, finance, IT and practice management across Australia.
Wrays said Mr Wightman has extensive experience in operations, finance, systems transformation and managing complex change. He has worked for a range of companies across Australia and Europe, including RAMS Financial Group, MinterEllison, Norton Rose Fulbright, Ogier, Simmons & Simmons and CMS Cameron McKenna.
“Wrays is a dynamic organisation with a unique position and opportunity in the Australian legal marketplace,” said Mr Wightman.
“I’m looking forward to bringing my breadth of experience in legal professional services to help deliver superior client service and to help drive Wrays’ next phase of growth.”
Mr Wightman will be based in Sydney. He commenced as operations manager on 21 March.
