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HopgoodGanim appoints new COO and CRO
National mid-tier firm HopgoodGanim has revealed a range of C-suite appointments in a move to boost its leadership capabilities, bringing the total headcount at the firm to 300.
Lauren Croft
HopgoodGanim Lawyers has appointed a new chief risk officer (CRO) and a new chief operating officer (COO) at what the firm said was “a milestone time” in HopgoodGanim history.
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This news follows the promotion of 27, including five new partners, in July last year, as well as the appointment of new managing partner Luke Mountford, who is set to take over the firm in July this year.
Martin Kingston, HopgoodGanim’s immediate past COO, has been promoted to CRO as part of an agenda targeted at multifaceted growth, with an increased focus on strong governance and risk management.
Replacing Mr Kingston as COO is Chris Vedelago, who was mostly recently the CFO of Colin Biggers & Paisley, based in Brisbane, and he previously spent several years in financial leadership positions with Herbert Smith Freehills and Allen & Overy both in Australia and Asia.
Mr Kingston has been at the firm for more than 30 years, guiding the firm through the COVID-19 pandemic, recent Brisbane floods and other periods of uncertainty. HopgoodGanim has 264 staff in Brisbane — 145 legal practitioners and 119 support staff — and 36 staff in Perth, with an even split of legal practitioners and support staff.
In his new role as CRO, Mr Kingston will take responsibility for implementing operational risk management and mitigation strategies across the firm.
This investment in a dedicated C-level risk role at a firm of HopgoodGanim’s size is testament to the importance the firm places on risk and compliance issues, according to managing partner-elect Luke Mountford.
“Given Martin’s seniority, wealth of firm knowledge and hands-on experience guiding the firm through a number of significant projects, achievements and challenges, there is no person better equipped to establish this important functional area at the firm,” he said.
Mr Vedelago brings significant experience in senior finance roles to the firm, having worked across Australia and Asia for over a decade.
“We feel incredibly lucky to have secured Chris to take on this important role to lead the operational aspects of our firm,” Mr Mountford added.
“Chris’s track record is exemplary. He will be an asset to HopgoodGanim as we embark on our next phase of growth and maturity and approach our 50th year in business and 10th year operating in Western Australia.”
