International law firm Gowling WLG announces that Chris Towle will become the UK LLP's new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - effective from May 2026.
Chris Towle has spent his professional career at the firm after joining as a trainee in 2004. He has been a partner since 2016, leads the firm's Birmingham Corporate team and is also Global Co-Lead for the firm's US initiatives.
The appointment will see Chris succeed current CEO, David Fennell, who has decided to stand down as Chief Executive after 12 years in the role.
During his tenure as UK LLP CEO and as an international board member, David has played a pivotal role in the growth of the firm. His highlights include the merger between Wragge and Lawrence Graham, the global combination with Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP, and international office launches in Frankfurt, Bejing, Shanghai, and Abu Dhabi.
David said: "It has been the privilege of my professional career to serve as the firm's CEO since 2014.
"My decision to stand down as CEO was made earlier this year and communicated to our Executive Board before the summer. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together - from the successful launch of Gowling WLG and sustained growth of the UK LLP, broadening our client base and international footprint, and our investment in people and innovation, to navigating unprecedented challenges such as COVID-19.
"I'm thrilled for Chris and wish him all the best when he takes to the helm for the next stage of our journey. The firm is exceptionally well positioned for further growth and success under Chris's leadership."
Commenting on his appointment, Chris Towle said: "I'm deeply honoured and extremely excited to be taking on the role of CEO next year. I'll be putting my full energy into delivering on our strategy for growth and our international ambitions - and enabling us to provide the very best experience for our clients.
"David has been a fantastic leader and has made a huge contribution to the firm. We are working closely together between now and May, and David will continue to be an excellent ambassador for our global firm and of great support to me."
Emma Pioli, Chair at Gowling WLG (UK) LLP, added: "I want to congratulate Chris on this exciting milestone in his career and on securing such overwhelming support from the partnership to his appointment. I'm really looking forward to working with him to deliver our growth strategy and his broader ambitions for our firm.
"I'd like to pay tribute to David for everything he has achieved as our CEO. The firm has come a long way under his leadership, and we owe a lot to him for everything he has done throughout the last 12 years in the role."
The incoming CEO appointment follows the arrival of Sarah Felger as new Chief Operating Officer (COO) last month.