Withers has announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer Ceri Vokes, who will formally take on the leadership of the business on July, 1 2026.
Ceri is a private client and tax lawyer who has been with the firm since 2006 and specializes in tax and trust advice for entrepreneurs, founders, private equity and hedge fund principals along with large multi-generational family offices.
Ceri will work closely with current CEO Margaret Robertson, who has led the firm for nearly 25 years, on a transition process through to July 2026. Ceri will continue to practice as a tax lawyer in addition to her role as CEO.
Ceri comments: "I am thrilled to have been elected as CEO and am grateful to the firm's partnership for placing their trust in me. I want to acknowledge and thank Margaret for her 25 years of leadership and dedication; her clear vision has steered the firm with purpose and helped define the firm we are today. Withers is the leading global private client firm, we are trusted advisors to families, founders, fiduciaries and businesses – and more than this, to governments, charities and financial institutions, and I intend to build on that legacy through our future achievements. I will work closely with the firm's management team to deliver on our strategic priorities, harness our entrepreneurialism and realize our full potential."
Margaret comments: "Congratulations to Ceri: her talents and experience are perfectly suited to meeting the challenges that lie ahead for the firm and harnessing the opportunities to protect and advise our clients around the world. With the legal sector in a highly dynamic state driven by technological developments and geopolitical pressures, among other factors, Ceri will equip Withers to manage the required changes and work to our strengths."
Paul Hewitt, Withers' Chair, adds: "I look forward to forging a strong working relationship with Ceri and collaborating with all of our leaders and partners around the firm to ensure we continue to operate with the rigor and excellence that have been a hallmark of the firm under Margaret's tenure."