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Ashurst reappoints global CEO for new 4-year term
The board of international law firm Ashurst has reappointed its chief executive officer for a further four-year term, set to end in October 2026.
Jerome Doraisamy
In a statement issued overnight (AEDT) on Monday, 14 February, Ashurst global chair Karen Davies – who was named the firm’s first female global chair in May 2021, following the stepping down of Ben Tidswell – confirmed that Paul Jenkins will commence an additional four-year term as the firm’s CEO.
The board and the partners, Ms Davies proclaimed, are proud of the achievements the firm has made over the last five years under Mr Jenkins’ stewardship.
“On behalf of the board, I am delighted to announce Paul’s reappointment as our global CEO for a third term. Paul has done an excellent job of leading Ashurst, particularly over the past two years through the pandemic and against a backdrop of growing challenges for our clients and disruption within the legal industry itself. I am confident that he will continue to steer the business from strength to strength, as we head into the next phase of our growth,” she submitted.
“Under Paul’s leadership, Ashurst has experienced 40 per cent in revenue growth over the past five years, with an average annual growth rate of more than 7 per cent. This significant growth has been achieved through setting a clear vision and direction for the firm and disciplined strategic planning. It has included sharpening the firm’s sector focus, strengthening our capabilities in key markets and focussing on our clients and people. Inclusion, diversity and belonging has been a particular priority, as has advancing our responsible business and sustainability agenda.”
Speaking about his reappointment, Mr Jenkins said that he is “delighted” to extend his tenure as CEO.
“2022 marks the 200th anniversary of Ashurst, and I am particularly honoured that my reappointment coincides with this prestigious time for our firm,” he noted.
“I have great ambitions for the firm, am excited about the opportunities ahead and confident that Ashurst will continue its growth trajectory. We have a strong global platform, a collaborative and progressive culture with a clear focus on clients and our people.”
Mr Jenkins mused there would be numerous challenges to address as he enters his new term.
“Ashurst, like any other business, will be managing the lasting effects of the pandemic during 2022 and beyond. Continuing to adjust to the societal and economic impact of the pandemic will be key, including prioritising the ongoing health and well-being of our people, and encouraging new ways of working,” he detailed.
“We are focused on unlocking growth for our clients, and see opportunities across our five priority sectors arising from the significant investment by our clients in sustainability, energy transition, digital transformation and new digital assets. The opportunities for growth point to a future that is very different to the past.”
Elsewhere in the statement, the firm noted that it remains on track for continued financial growth in FY22, after its strong financial results in FY21, which saw profits for equity partners jump 15 per cent to almost $2 million.
Ashurst also issued one-off bonus payments to its global staff in March of last year, in the wake of the firm’s performance over the course of the pandemic.
In recent months, Ashurst has spoken with Lawyers Weekly about the importance of setting ambitious diversity and inclusion targets, as well as finding ways to “futureproof” the workplace in a post-pandemic market.
Jerome Doraisamy
Jerome Doraisamy is the editor of Lawyers Weekly. A former lawyer, he has worked at Momentum Media as a journalist on Lawyers Weekly since February 2018, and has served as editor since March 2022. He is also the host of all five shows under The Lawyers Weekly Podcast Network, and has overseen the brand's audio medium growth from 4,000 downloads per month to over 60,000 downloads per month, making The Lawyers Weekly Show the most popular industry-specific podcast in Australia. Jerome is also the author of The Wellness Doctrines book series, an admitted solicitor in NSW, and a board director of Minds Count.
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