Bio
Richard McConnell is the Chief Technology & Operating Officer for Gowling WLG Canada and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee.
In this role, Richard oversees the business services teams that support the firm’s technology and operations across Canada. He is responsible for developing and executing strategies that drive operational efficiency and effectiveness, while defining and directing the firm’s forward-looking vision on technology, innovation and process optimization programs. As Chair of the firm’s Administrative Management Committee, Richard works closely with members of the Executive Committee and the firm’s office general managers to ensure the seamless integration and delivery of non-legal operations across the platform.
Richard has more than 20 years of experience as a senior business leader overseeing a variety of functions, including technology, human resources and business development & marketing teams. Prior to becoming Chief Operating Officer in 2018, Richard served as Director of Information Technology, overseeing all aspects of the firm’s national IT shared services team – including data centre infrastructure and operations, end-user computing services and support, IT procurement and cyber security. Before joining Gowling WLG, Richard held progressively senior roles at a global systems integration and technology outsourcing firm.
Richard holds an Executive MBA from Queen’s University and an honours Bachelor of Arts in Geographic Information Systems from Carleton University.