Gowling WLG (UK) LLP’s new Chief Executive Officer, Chris Towle, has set out his vision for the firm’s next phase of growth: strengthening its core sectors and international collaboration, while continuing to build a modern, high performing firm.

Chris plans to build on the firm's already strong foundations, which include an established international platform and a reputation for complex, high-value work across key markets.

Having spent his entire legal career at Gowling WLG, Chris brings knowledge of the firm and its clients, along with a clear view of what is needed to support sustainable, long-term growth to the role. A corporate partner by background, he joined the firm as a trainee in 2004, became a partner in 2016 and most recently led the firm’s Birmingham Corporate team, alongside his role as Global Co-Lead for the firm’s US initiatives.

As CEO, Chris’ focus will be on ensuring the firm is well positioned for the future, with growth driven by investment in priority sectors and practice areas, supported by its well connected international platform and a culture that encourages collaboration, accountability and high performance.

"I'm proud to be taking on the role of CEO and excited about what we can achieve together," said Chris. "We are entering a new phase of growth from a position of real strength with excellent people, a strong international platform and an enviable client base.

"A key priority for me is making sure we have the right foundations in place to grow sustainably. That means supporting our clients to achieve their ambitions, while continuing to invest in our people, our capabilities and the way we work together as one firm."

A central part of Chris’s agenda is continuing to strengthen the firm’s Corporate, Finance and Tax capability, recognising its role as a key enabler of growth across the wider business. Recent senior hires reflect this strategic focus, with further investment planned across the firm’s international platform.

Chris also highlights the importance of collaboration across teams and borders, alongside continued investment in innovation and technology to support a modern, scalable firm.

He said: "By working more closely across teams and geographies, and by using technology intelligently to support how we work, we can continue to deliver complex, high quality work for our clients and create compelling opportunities for our people."

Chris takes on the role alongside the appointment of Felicity Lindsay as Practice Group Leader for the Real Estate Group and Kate Swaine as Practice Group Leader for Risk & Disputes Group. They join existing board members Stuart Young (Corporate, Finance and Tax), Robert Breedon (Commercial, Employment and Pensions) and Chair Emma Pioli, forming a UK LLP board with an equal balance of female and male members.

Looking ahead, Chris emphasised the importance of clarity of direction, shared ownership and building on what already works well, while remaining ambitious about the firm’s future.

He added: "Together, we will build on what already makes this firm strong and take it confidently into its next chapter."