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We are pleased to announce we have appointed James Melvin as our new Regional Managing Partner for APAC and Nicole Wearne as our new Australian Managing Partner.
After three years as APAC Regional Managing Partner, Matt Andrews is stepping down from the role to allow him more time to focus on his role with the global Executive Group, supporting the global growth ambitions of the firm, and to devote additional time to his practice, with a particular focus on significant insurance disputes and commercial litigation. Matt is currently the lead Australian partner on the multi-jurisdictional litigation arising from the collapse of Greensill Capital.
James Melvin has been appointed the APAC Regional Managing Partner role with effect from 1 March 2026. Partner, Matt Andrews comments:
I am proud of the growth we’ve achieved together in APAC, and I am very excited for the future I know James will create. I pass this role on with absolute confidence that the best is yet to come.
Since relocating to Australia in 2015 from Kennedys’ London office after 12 years in the London insurance market, James has served as the Sydney office’s Managing Partner. His practice includes a focus on defence and coverage advice within financial lines, D&O, management liability, regulatory investigations and professional indemnity for a range of professionals across multiple sectors. James Melvin, Regional Managing Partner for APAC from 1 March, adds:
It’s a privilege to take on this role at such an exciting time for Kennedys in APAC. We have strong teams and great ambition across the region, and I’m looking forward to working with colleagues to build on our success, support our clients, and deliver on the firm’s goals
After three years as Australian Managing Partner, Jonathan Wyatt will step back from the role and continue to focus on his practice. Kennedys acknowledges the significant growth in the Australian operations under his leadership.
Nicole Wearne has been elected Australian Managing Partner with effect from 18 February and explains:
I am genuinely energised by the opportunity to lead the Australian Firm at such an exciting time. Our partners and employees are dedicated and driven, and I look forward to working with James Melvin and our colleagues across the Australian offices to strengthen and grow our practice and continuing to offer outstanding services.
Nicole and James co-lead Kennedys’ Australian financial lines practice.
Nicole joined Kennedys as a Melbourne partner in June 2024 and is a member of the firm’s global Governance Group. With board and governance experience from previous roles, together with more than 30 years’ experience in financial lines disputes, she is focused on delivering the firm’s global strategy in Australia. Nicole will continue to manage her practice, which includes coverage advice and defence of complex litigation across financial lines, professional indemnity, regulatory disputes and class action work.
Partner, Matt Andrews concludes:
The trajectory of our business in Australia and across APAC continues to be exciting. I am delighted that James and Nicole have agreed to take on these roles, whilst maintaining successful practices. I’m confident that they will continue to build on that momentum for the region, while ensuring we remain closely aligned with our global strategy. I would like to thank Jonathan for his time in the Australian Managing Partner role, he has been an invaluable member of our leadership team and has contributed significantly to our growth and our continuing success. Over the last five years, we have had year on year growth, and the firm has grown in APAC by 50% (in revenue). With our clients’ support we aim to continue that success.
Kennedys reported 13% growth with record revenue of AUD 848m (GBP 428m/USD 551m/EUR 511m) for FY25. Last year, the firm celebrated 25 years in Asia Pacific, marking the anniversary of its first office opening in Hong Kong in 2000.
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