Deputy chief exec of clients and markets to take CEP mantle at Clayton Utz

Clayton Utz has elevated deputy chief executive – clients and markets Emma Covacevich to the role of CEP – the first woman in the firm’s history to take the position.

She steps into the role on 1 July 2023, succeeding current CEP Bruce Cooper. Throughout the next year, they will work closely with the board to facilitate the leadership transition.

“We congratulate Emma on her appointment, which represents both a significant milestone for her, and for our firm, as the first female CEP in Clayton Utz’s history,” board chair Karen O’Flynn said. “Emma has grown up with Clayton Utz and understands intimately what it takes to build a successful practice, as well as a successful business. She has demonstrated a keen strategic understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our clients, and the leadership capabilities that will be required to respond to these.”

Covacevich is a homegrown star at Clayton Utz, having been with the firm since 1999 as an articled clerk. She specialised in energy and resources law, and spent two years as Australia Pacific LNG’s GC.

She made partner in 2007, and has spearheaded the firm’s client relationship and engagement strategy for 2 ½ years. She also heads up Clayton Utz’s energy transition offering, and was named co-deputy CEP in 2020 alongside Doug Bishop.

Covacevich will hold the CEP role for a three-year term.

O’Flynn praised outgoing CEP Cooper for his contributions in his time on top.

“Bruce took on the CEP role at a challenging time given the pandemic, and has led with confidence, decisiveness, and innovative thinking in how we engage our clients and our people,” O’Flynn said. “We are grateful for his contribution as CEP and for his previous two terms as Deputy CEP – Clients and Markets, when our business experienced considerable growth. He has contributed to the firm’s continued growth and evolution in so many ways.”