International law firm Gowling WLG is pleased to announce Emma Pioli will become the UK LLP's new chair - effective from May 2024.
Emma has spent her whole professional career at the firm after joining as a trainee. She has been a partner in the firm's leading Real Estate practice since 2000 and is head of Asset Management and will continue in this role as part of her transition plan.
The appointment will see Emma succeed current chair, Andy Stylianou.
During his tenure as UK LLP chair and as an international board member Andy has played a key role in the firm accelerating its growth in Europe and the Middle East, including launches in Frankfurt and Abu Dhabi. He has also been a driving force in Inclusion for All, the firm's diversity, equality and inclusion (DE&I) strategy and milestones such as successfully achieving Mansfield Certification.
Andy said: "It's been an absolute joy and privilege to be Chair and I'm thrilled for Emma to be appointed my successor. The global economy has faced some major challenges during this time, not least those linked to the pandemic and war in Ukraine, but we have continued to go from strength-to-strength. I've had the pleasure of working with so many brilliant colleagues and clients from all around the world as we have grown in Europe, the Middle East, North America and Asia. We have welcomed some fantastic people along the way and further enhanced our standing as a great place to work.
"I've always been passionate about our people and our culture. As board lead for DE&I, I'm proud of what everyone at our firm does every day to make us a workplace that provides opportunities for everyone. I'm confident there will be plenty more success to come and I wish Emma the very best and every success and will be giving her my full support."
Commenting on her appointment, Emma said: "I'm delighted to be taking on the role of chair alongside my role in asset management. I'm very excited to have the opportunity to be more involved in supporting our people and clients across the world to help achieve their ambitions. I'm looking forward to putting my energy into this fantastic new challenge and further strengthening relationships and collaboration across our global firm."
David Fennell, chief executive at Gowling WLG (UK) LLP added: "Emma is an exceptional team leader and partner and has already made a huge contribution to the firm and our culture and values. Those who have worked with Emma will know how much energy, enthusiasm and experience she brings to everything that she does. I'm really looking forward to working with Emma to deliver our strategy for growth and to provide the very best possible experience for our clients - strengthening our position as a leading sector-focused international law firm.
"I'd also like to thank Andy for everything he has achieved during his time as chair. He's been the consummate team player, a fantastic ambassador for the firm and a huge support for me personally and for all of our people".