New board chair takes the throne at Simpson Grierson

Phillipa Muir will succeed Anne Callinan, who moves on after a five-year term

New board chair takes the throne at Simpson Grierson
Phillipa Muir

A new board chair will take the throne at Simpson Grierson as Anne Callinan moves after five years at the helm.

Employment partner Phillipa Muir has been elected to the leadership role. She brings significant experience in governance as a Delegat Limited director, Fletcher Building Employee Educational Fund chair, and Sweet Louise Foundation trustee.

“It’s an honour and a privilege for me to be elected as chair by my colleagues and to lead our firm during these times of change and opportunity”, Muir said. “I’m really excited about taking the helm at Simpson Grierson; I have always said that it’s the people in our firm that make all the difference”.

She highlighted the firm’s strong culture and values, as well as its pro bono initiatives. She also praised Callinan’s leadership, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Callinan returned the sentiment, lauding Muir’s appointment.

“I am delighted that my final act as Simpson Grierson’s outgoing chair is to pass the baton to Pip, who has a fantastic reputation in the market, with our clients and with our people. I know she will do a superb job”, Callinan said. “It has been an absolute privilege to work in a leadership role at the firm over so many years, and I know I’m leaving the business in great shape and in excellent hands”.

Callinan was recently named deputy chair of the Commerce Commission, and departs Simpson Grierson after 25 years as a litigation partner.