Clyde & Co partner to head up Kennedys’ new Perth base

Kennedys has established a base in Perth to be helmed by a former Clyde & Co partner.

Jonathan Wyatt, an insurance specialist with a focus on marine, property, financial lines and liability insurance, will be heading up a nine-strong team to launch an insurance practice in the WA capital. Kennedys said that the new branch “demonstrates the firm’s commitment to supporting its insurance clients at a critical time for the local industry, as Australia emerges from the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.” 

“Kennedys is committed to providing the best on-the-ground capability wherever our clients need it. The appointment of a partner of Jonathan’s calibre and his team makes good on that promise and will ensure that our clients have seamless access to Kennedys’ expertise,” said Matt Andrews, Australian managing partner.

He said that Wyatt and his team constituted “a vital link” in the firm’s expansion across Australia.

“My team and I are excited to be joining Kennedys. The global reach of the firm and the alignment of its goals to my areas of practice – marine, liability and property – make it an ideal fit. We relish the opportunity to establish a leading insurance practice with Kennedys in Perth,” Wyatt said.

Wyatt’s team comprises special counsel Paul Graham and Alen Sinanovic; senior associate Rosie Blakey-Scholes; associates Kendall Messer, Jack Carroll and Ashleigh Weaver; paralegals Luke Docker and Quinton Roberts; and secretary Danni Durrant.

“My team in Perth will have scope to explore new career opportunities with a global firm and the benefit of Kennedys’ supportive workplace culture,” Wyatt said.

The new Perth office will be situated at Level 24, 108 St Georges Terrace.

Kennedys established its Sydney office in 2006 and its Melbourne branch in 2017. The launch of the Perth office is indicative of the firm’s significant growth over the past year, which saw the roster bloom by 20%.