Wotton Kearney is pleased to announce the appointment of Tony O’Malley as its new Board Chair, effective 1 July 2025.

Tony brings more than 25 years of senior leadership experience, a deep understanding of the legal industry and a passion for building high-performance businesses across national boundaries.

Tony has previously served as the Managing Partner at King & Wood Mallesons in Australia, overseeing significant structural reforms and playing a key role in the regional merger that created one of Asia Pacific’s largest law firms. Recently, Tony was the Global Legal Services Leader at PwC, where he led a major global strategy refresh that returned the legal business to double-digit growth, whilst overseeing a team of over 4,000 professionals. Tony’s achievements also include advising the Telstra Board on its strategic options for creating a separate InfraCo business, and supporting NBN Co with its critical negotiations with Telstra to fast-track the rollout of Australia’s national broadband network.

David Kearney, Wotton Kearney’s Chief Executive Partner, said: “In his role as Chair, Tony will draw on his significant experience across law, business and consulting to help guide our next chapter and align with our values and trailblazing ambitions.”

Tony said he is energised by Wotton Kearney’s growth agenda: “Wotton Kearney has built an impressive, high-growth business with strong leadership, a clear focus and a reputation for innovation. I look forward to working with the Board and Executive team to help guide the firm’s continued growth and deliver on its long-term strategy.”

The firm also acknowledges the significant contribution of outgoing Chair, Steve Gledden, who will remain on the Wotton Kearney Board and continue his role as Managing Director of the firm’s private equity business partner, Straight Bat. Under Steve’s leadership, the Board has made a series of bold decisions, including investment in legal tech, brand and geographic expansion, and the firm’s evolving capital strategy.

Steve said: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair during a period of significant growth and strategic evolution for Wotton Kearney. I’m proud of the courageous decisions we’ve made, from investing in legal tech to expanding our geographic footprint, and I look forward to continuing to support the firm’s success as a Non-Executive Director.”

David added: “Thank you to Steve Gledden for his leadership as Chair. His impact on our growth and support for key decisions has helped shape the legal business we are today. I know he will continue to make a very valuable contribution to our desire to become an even better business partner for our clients as we grow our international footprint.”

This appointment marks another milestone in WK’s impressive growth journey since its founding in 2002, growing from two partners to 94 and a dynamic force of over 500 lawyers across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand.

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