Gowling WLG has announced the appointment of two new Practice Group Leaders (PGLs) to its UK LLP board, effective from May 2026.

Felicity Lindsay has been appointed as PGL of the firm’s Real Estate Group (REG), and Kate Swaine of the Risk & Disputes Group (RAD).

Kate and Felicity will join incoming Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chris Towle as new board members from May 2026. They join existing PGLs Stuart Young (Corporate, Finance and Tax) and Robert Breedon (Commercial, Employment and Pensions) alongside the firm's Chair Emma Pioli. Following the appointments, the board will comprise an equal balance of female and male members.

Felicity is currently team leader of the firm’s Commercial Development and Investment (CDI) team and has been with Gowling WLG since 2015. She succeeds Chris Hunt, who has stepped down as PGL to focus on client relationships and business development. Dan Gwilliam will succeed Felicity as CDI team leader.

Kate is co-head of the firm’s global Intellectual Property (IP) team and a member of the international board. She has spent her entire professional career at the firm, having joined as a trainee in 1994. Kate succeeds Davinia Gransbury, who has stepped down after 14 years in the role and will continue as a partner and active member of the firm’s Government sector team. John Coldham and Huw Evans will become joint leaders of the UK LLP’s IP team.

Commenting on the board appointments, incoming CEO Chris Towle said: “I congratulate Kate and Felicity on their appointments and am really looking forward to working closely with them going forwards.

“Kate and Felicity both bring significant experience of strategic development across our UK and international markets, and will build on the strong legacy left by Davinia and Chris as they step down from the board.

“We are looking forward to driving further growth across our key sectors, practice areas and geographies, as we continue to invest in our global platform and in key capabilities to support our clients. The renewed board is very well placed to build on the firm's existing momentum and market strengths and take us confidently into our next chapter. I'm excited about what we can achieve together across the firm.”