New managing partner takes the reigns at DibbsBarker

DibbsBarker will welcome a new managing partner who has just had an eight-year break from the profession.

DibbsBarker has announced the appointment of Stephen Purcell as the firm’s incoming managing partner.

Purcell, former managing partner of Henry David York, joins DibbsBarker from PPB Advisory where he spent seven years as CEO.

“I am looking forward to returning home to the legal profession after an absence of 8 years,” he told Australasian Lawyer of his new appointment.

“Law is more competitive than ever and I'm excited by the challenges and opportunities arising from the enhanced competition.”

Purcell said his immediate focus when he takes the reigns from outgoing managing partner Alan McArthur on 1 August, will be to review the firm’s industry focus and geographic reach.

“I will also be focused on connecting with and building relationships with our major clients and the team at DibbsBarker,” he said.

“My focus at DibbsBarker will be on profitably growing the firm, something which I was able to achieve in each of my last 2 roles.

“I will bring to the table the disciplined and calculated risk taking approach I have successfully used in my previous roles.”

Chairman Andrew Saxton said he looks forward to working with Purcell and thanked McArthur for his leadership of the firm for the past nine years.

“As our longest-serving managing partner he has made numerous and outstanding contributions to the firm, for which we will always be grateful,” Saxton said.

He said commented on Purcell’s impressive track record:

“Stephen is an inspiring leader, having performed very successfully in two long-term roles at the helm of major firms,” Saxton said.

“He has a strong track record of driving growth, building brands and a reputation for instilling clear vision and values within the organisations he leads.”
 

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