Kavanagh replaces incumbent Richard Crump who will stand down after 15 years in the role
Global law firm HFW has elected Giles Kavanagh as its new global senior partner as the firm seeks to accelerate growth across its industry groups, legal services and international network.
Kavanagh is currently head of HFW's leading global aviation practice and a member of the firm's management board. He will become senior partner on 1 April 2022, when incumbent Richard Crump stands down at the end of his fifth term – after 15 years in the role.
As senior partner, Kavanagh will work alongside managing partner Jeremy Shebson and the rest of the board to fulfil the firm's vision and drive the strategy for the business, which comprises more than 1,000 lawyers and business services professionals across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.
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Kavanagh will also continue to lead the firm's sustainability strategy, having been appointed in April 2021 as its first sustainability partner.
"I am incredibly proud to have been elected by our partnership to become HFW's new senior partner,” said Kavanagh. “We are all grateful for Richard's significant contribution as senior partner over the past 15 years. During that time, HFW has changed significantly, branching out from our roots as a shipping firm to establish a multi-sector focus that sets us apart in a crowded legal market, and building an international network that enables us to help our clients in key markets around the world. This included bringing the aerospace team to the firm, which I have been proud to lead and develop.
"I am looking forward to working with Jeremy and the Board to continue to strengthen and grow our business – across all of our sectors, services and offices – and to make sure that we continue to meet the changing needs of our clients in order to provide them with the best possible service.”
Kavanagh joined HFW in 2011, when the firm hired the entire aviation practice of Barlow, Lyde & Gilbert (now Clyde & Co), which he led. HFW's aerospace group has subsequently grown from 27 lawyers in four countries to 80 lawyers in 10 countries, with revenues increasing by 250 per cent.
"On behalf of the Board, the partnership and everyone at HFW, I'd like to thank Richard for his immense contribution to the firm as senior partner over the past 15 years,” said Shebson. "I've known Giles for a long time, and I know he will prioritise communication and teamwork. Giles is extremely capable and will put our people and our clients first. He will want to develop the significant opportunities we have at HFW. I look forward to working with him."
Kavanagh’s election is the latest in a series of hires for the firm in Australia.
As a global law firm in the aerospace, commodities, construction, energy and resources, insurance, and shipping sectors, HFW has more than 600 lawyers, including 185 partners, based in offices across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.