Harwood Andrews Announces Management Succession
Harwood Andrews has announced changes to the operations and management of the organisation. Driven by the desire of the Principals to increase their active engagement in the direction of the firm, the new structure will comprise of a Chief Executive Officer, a Board consisting of all shareholders, an Executive Chair of the Board, and shareholders with key responsibilities for firm functions.
Following the structural and operational changes, key personnel announcements have been made. The Principals thank Dan Simmonds for his efforts as Managing Principal over the past 10 years. Dan will continue consulting his major clients including family businesses as an accredited advisor with Family Business Australia. The Principals also congratulate Andrew Barnes, previously Financial Controller, who has accepted the role of Chief Executive Officer and Daniel Smedley, current Principal, who has been appointed as the Executive Chair of the Board.
Succeeding the management discussions, Dan Simmonds commented “In recent months the Principals have engaged in a review of the operations and management of the firm. Part of these considerations has involved the need to revisit succession planning and determine an appropriate way in which to allow me to shed the burden of general firm management. As a result of these deliberations the principals have resolved to put in place a new management structure for the firm. The new management team has my best wishes for this next phase in the firm’s history.”
New Executive Chair, Daniel Smedley further commented “The review of the operations and management of the firm has been driven by the desire of the Principals to increase their active engagement in the direction of the firm. The Principals are delighted that Andrew Barnes has accepted our offer to be the firm’s CEO. Andrew is also the National President of the Australasian Legal Practice Management Association, where he has extensive relationships and insight across the profession. He has our full support in undertaking this important role.”
“We further thank Dan Simmonds for his efforts as Managing Principal over the past 10 years. Dan has overseen the growth of the firm to almost 175 staff and the additions of the Ballarat and Albury offices. During this time Dan not only achieved the personal accolade of the Law Institute of Victoria President’s Award in recognition of excellence and outstanding contribution within the legal profession in 2010 but also led Harwood Andrews to achieve the 2016 Australian Law Award of Regional Law Firm of the Year.”
The Principals together with new CEO, Andrew Barnes are excited about this next phase for the firm.
Harwood Andrews is a progressive legal firm providing positive commercial solutions for clients in Geelong, Ballarat, Albury and Melbourne. Harwood Andrews is Victoria’s largest legal firm with its primary operational centre based outside of metropolitan Melbourne. Harwood Andrews has a diverse team of talented individuals including Principals, special counsel, lawyers, corporate service managers and support personnel. Harwood Andrews adopts a socially responsible attitude and is an active and respected part of the Geelong community also providing advice to many Australian charities and not-for-profit organisations.
For further information please contact:
Andrew Barnes
CEO
T 03 9611 0153
E abarnes@ha.legal