Rod Waldie has been chosen to succeed Michael Ward as the new Chief Executive Officer of listed law firm Gateley.
Ward stands down from the role on 30 April 2020 but remain a main board director and will be responsible for the non-legal businesses within the group. He will also retain a significant shareholding in Gateley.
The Gateley board conducted a review of the attributes required of a new CEO and agreed that an internal appointment was the best way to ensure the continuation of the group's strategy, as well as preserving its culture.
Waldie has been a key member of the group's management board since joining the business via the acquisition of the Manchester office of Halliwells LLP in 2010. Waldie is the senior office partner of the Manchester office, leads the group's national property team and has been involved in the successful integration of a number of Gateley's post IPO acquisitions including Gateley Capitus, Gateley Hamer and GCL Solicitors.
Rod Waldie will shadow Ward on all CEO related activities in the run up to his official appointment and will join the board as CEO on 1 May 2020. He will be introduced to investors at the group's final results roadshow in July 2019 and will attend the company's annual meeting on 19 September 2019 at which all attendees will have the opportunity to meet him.
Nigel Payne, non-executive chairman of Gateley, said: "We are delighted that Rod has agreed to lead the business, when Michael stands down as CEO in April next year. We are also delighted that after standing down, Michael's commitment to the group will continue both as an executive director and as a significant shareholder.
“Our choice of an internal appointment to succeed Michael and our early addressing of succession allow for a smooth transition to a highly successful and respected colleague, who already knows the business, understands our collaborative culture, has excellent client relationships and is committed to the group's growth strategy.”
