Allens has today announced the appointment of Chelsey Drake as Chair, effective 1 January 2025. Chelsey succeeds Fiona Crosbie, who has been Allens' Chair since January 2017 – Fiona's second term as Chair concludes on 31 December 2024.
Chelsey has been a partner at Allens for 15 years, with extensive experience as a leader at the firm. She has been Queensland Practice Director since April 2021 and a member of the firm's Executive Committee since July 2023. Chelsey is a senior corporate practitioner and has also been a member of the Australian Government's Takeovers Panel since 2016.
'On behalf of the Board, I welcome Chelsey to this new role. Chelsey brings with her extensive experience and a proven track record of leadership within our firm,' said outgoing Chair Fiona Crosbie.
'I'm thrilled about this opportunity and look forward to playing a larger role in shaping the future of Allens,' said Chelsey Drake.
Allens' Managing Partner Richard Spurio praised Fiona for her work as Chair.
'We have all been extremely privileged to have had Fiona as Chair and we are incredibly grateful for the significant and enduring contribution she has made to our firm. She has chaired the Board and represented the firm with great integrity and wisdom and with an unwavering commitment to service, collaboration and excellence.'
Fiona is one of Australia's leading competition advisers and she will continue to focus on that practice at Allens.