Baker & McKenzie Appoints New Chief Operating Officer in Australia
Firm News
1 December 2011
Sydney, Australia, 1 December 2011 – Baker & McKenzie is very pleased to welcome James Odell to its Australia offices as national Chief Operating Officer (COO). Odell transfers from Singapore where he was COO of the firm's South East Asia operations.
Prior to joining Baker & McKenzie, Odell was a member of Linklaters'global Strategy & Planning team based in London and Hong Kong. He started his career as an aeronautical engineer with the UK Ministry of Defence and has 17 years experience in Asia.
Baker & McKenzie Managing Partner, Chris Freeland, said, "Australia's increasing connectedness with global markets, particularly in Asia Pacific, means the need for seamless legal advice, delivered efficiently across boarders, has never been greater.
"In addition to a balance of strategic and operational experience, James brings a drive for efficiency born from his experience as an engineer. We are very pleased to have James on board to further strengthen the value of our offering."
On his appointment, Odell highlighted Baker & McKenzie's unparalleled global platform combined with a deep understanding of local markets.
"This has positioned us very well to advise investors looking to extend and protect interests in new markets. It's exciting to be in Australia as it emerges as a key player on the world stage at a firm which has invested in its global offering for so many decades."