King & Wood Mallesons’ current Australian chief executive partner,
Sue Kench, is stepping up to lead the international firm as its newest global managing partner.
Starting 1 June, Kench will lead the firm’s global strategy and operations, with a focus on bolstering the firm’s reputation as the foremost international firm in Asia,
KWM said. She succeeds
Stuart Fuller, who stepped down from the role at the end of last year and has since returned to full-time practice in Australia.
“Sue’s track record of success as the chief executive partner of KWM Australia combined with her international relationships and deep understanding of the global business puts her in a strong position to build on the steps already taken by the firm to build its global platform and drive the global strategy forward,” said Wang Junfeng, global chairman.
Kench, who is a current member of the firm’s global executive and international management committees, will be succeeded as Australia chief by Berkeley Cox. He is currently Australia’s deputy chief executive partner and managing partner for the banking and finance, financial services, and projects and real estate groups.
Cox has been in management positions in the Australian partnership since 2008. He has also been a member of the executive leadership team for the past five years, helping develop and deliver the firm’s priorities in the country.
“I am thrilled to have been appointed as the next chief executive partner Australia. The firm is already in a strong position with a clear strategy and I look forward to continue to drive the firm’s growth agenda and working closely with Sue to further integrate with the global firm,” Cox said.
The firm has also appointed Rupert Li as its global chief operating officer, a newly created role.
“The creation of the new global chief operating officer role is designed to focus on greater levels of operational integration across the global firm and I'm pleased that Rupert Li will take on this important role,” Wang said.
An international partner within the China and Hong Kong practices and a current member of the firm’s international management committee, Li is tasked to foster greater integration of its regional practices. He has played a key role in developing the international operations of the business.
Sue Kench
Berkeley Cox
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