Woo new Appleby chairperson

Frances Woo has succeeded Peter Bubenzer as group chairman at Appleby, effective immediately. Mr Bubenzer will remain a partner until his retirement on March 31.

Ms Woo joined Appleby in 1994 and became a Partner in 1997. She was appointed as managing partner of the Hong Kong office in 2000.  She also heads up both the Corporate and Commercial and Private Client and Trusts Practice Groups for the Asia region.

Appleby Group managing partner, Michael O’Connell said in a press release: “I’m delighted to welcome Frances as the next chairman of our Group. Frances comes with a wealth of experience and understanding of our business and the offshore market. Her perspective will be invaluable as we continue to drive our strategy forward, in particular our drive to build on our presence in, and services to, the Asia market. Frances is based in Hong Kong and has over 18 years of experience working in Greater China and other Asian markets.

“She is therefore extremely well placed to assist in the Board’s continued delivery of our Asia strategy as well as overseeing the delivery of our overall global strategy.

Frances Woo said: “I’m joining the board at an exciting time in our development when we are focused on growth, and maintenance of our presence as the leading offshore legal and fiduciary group.  

“I will be immediately focusing on continued stewardship of Appleby’s global strategy, as well as undertaking the international representation of the Group. Amongst other things this means proactively responding to the needs of our clients by being in the markets and sectors that they need us to be in. I’m really looking forward to taking up the mantle from Peter and continuing to drive our international growth strategy forward.”

Appleby has also appointed a new global head of its Corporate & Commercial practice. Effective early in the New Year, Cameron Adderley will lead the corporate group which is one of the largest in the offshore world. Cameron succeeds Judith Collis who has served as global practice head for seven years. Judith will retire from Appleby on March 31, 2013 after 27 years with the Group. 

Mr O’Connell said: “Cameron’s appointment, along with the recent growth hires for our funds team, are part of a focused drive to continue to build the leading transactions practice in the offshore world.”

Cameron Adderley added: “I’m succeeding Judith at an exciting time for the practice group and for Appleby as a whole. Under Judith’s leadership our highly regarded group has become one of the largest teams covering more offshore jurisdictions than any other firm.  I’m looking forward to the challenge of building on this platform.” 

The appointment of Mr Adderley comes at the end of a busy 12 months with a series of recent promotions and appointments within Appleby’s corporate and commercial group, including two new funds Partners, Ian Gobin and Deborah Poole.

Mr Adderley will relinquish his position on Appleby’s Group Management Company Board, along with John Bisson, whose retirement from the Group was announced in September.

Sean Dowling and Timothy Faries were elected as the new GMC Board Members.  These appointments will take effect over the next few weeks and from then the GMC Board will comprise: Fraser Robertson, Stephen James, Nick Verardi, Mr Dowling, Mr Faries, and Ms Woo with Group managing partner, Mr O’Connell serving as ex officio members.