He takes the helm on 1 March 2025
DLA Piper has named corporate practice group head Shane Bilardi as its new country managing partner for Australia.
Bilardi takes over the role held by Amber Matthews on 1 March 2025. In addition to leading the corporate team, Bilardi is part of the firm’s leadership team in Australia.
“It is an honour to be chosen to lead DLA Piper's Australian firm. I am grateful to Amber for the support she has given me as I prepare to take on this role, as well as her strong leadership and dedication to develop the firm to what it is today”, said Bilardi, who commenced with DLA Piper in 2019. “I’m excited about the future opportunities for the firm – we have a strong trajectory through focussing on our core practice areas and sectors and we will continue to build on these achievements in coming years”.
Managing director for Asia Pacific Jean-Pierre Douglas-Henry described Bilardi as “an outstanding candidate who will bring a long-term, ambitious and global mindset to the role, including leading the next phase of our growth strategy.” Douglas also praised Matthews’ run at the top of the Australian office.
“Leading DLA Piper in Australia through this important period of growth and strategic change has been a fantastic experience. I am proud of the strong position we are in today and the influence I have had on our culture and success”, Matthews said. “After nearly six years in the role, now is the right time to hand over to Shane so he can lead DLA Piper through its next phase of growth in Australia. I am excited about the future and confident that under his leadership the firm will continue to go from strength to strength”.
Matthews’s term as country managing partner concludes at the end of February 2025.
