DLA Piper are pleased to announce the appointment of James Fletcher as Chief Operating Officer following an executive search conducted by SEQEL Partners.

DLA Piper are one of the largest business law firms in the world, with over 6,000 employees located in more than 40 countries. Reporting to the Country Managing Partner, Martin Wiseman, and the Chief Operating Officer International, Jacqueline King, James will be responsible for optimising the performance of the New Zealand firm in this broad-based leadership role.

James is a proven senior executive with experience across a variety of sectors including facilities management, legal and financial services, healthcare and aviation. Currently the Interim CEO for Growth Capital Partners, James was previously the CEO for Treescape Australasia where he stabilised and grew the business - focusing on customer retention, health and safety, staff engagement and IT optimisation. James’ early career saw him as a Commercial Litigation Solicitor with Simpson Grierson and Bell Gully before moving into increasingly senior strategic and general management roles within Fletcher Aluminium, Norfolk Group and OCS New Zealand.

James holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from the University of Auckland and a Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University. He joins DLA Piper in September.