Shoosmiths appoints Rachel Reid as Chief Operating Officer
January, 2023 - Milton Keynes, England
LAW firm Shoosmiths has announced the appointment of Rachel Reid as Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective March 2023.
Rachel is to join from DLA Piper where she worked with the managing director of the Africa, Asia Pacific and Middle East regions, to drive growth, operational efficiency and embed the firm’s culture and values.
Prior to that, Rachel held Chief Operating Officer positions at Taylor Wessing and King & Wood Mallesons where she delivered a numerous strategic change, growth and development programmes.
As Chief Operating Officer of Shoosmiths, Rachel will be responsible for leading the firm’s operational excellence agenda to support the delivery of the firm’s ambitious new strategy which will see it excel in its chosen markets.
Rachel will take on the role from current COO, Louise Hadland, who is due to retire in April 2023 after 24 years at the firm. During that time, Louise undertook several roles including HR Director until 2020 when she assumed the role of COO. Throughout that time, Louise has been instrumental in helping the firm navigate significant change including the recent shift to hybrid working, as well as working closely with the rest of the Board to launch the firm’s bold new strategy.
Rachel Reid, incoming COO of Shoosmiths, said: “Shoosmiths has a clear strategy, strong collegiate culture and drive for growth which is evident in their market profile and one of the many reasons I was attracted to this role. I am excited to work with a team of exceptional people to deliver the firm’s strategy as we support our clients in achieving their goals.”
David Jackson, CEO of Shoosmiths, said: “It’s an absolute pleasure for us to welcome Rachel to Shoosmiths as our COO. Rachel has an impressive track record for making a substantial impact at her previous firms. Shoosmiths is embarking on an exciting and ambitious new strategic journey, and we have no doubt that in her new position, Rachel will help us to drive that strategy forward to success.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Louise Hadland for all she has given to Shoosmiths over the past 24 years in her positions as COO, HR director and Head of HR. Shoosmiths’ culture is forward-thinking and distinct. We owe a large part of that to Louise’s management and thoughtful guidance over the years. We all wish Louise the absolute very best for her retirement, knowing that she can look back immensely proudly of the significant impact she has made in helping shape Shoosmiths into the firm it is today.”
Louise Hadland said: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege over the years to be part of the transformation that has seen Shoosmiths move from being a small regional player to the powerhouse it is today and I know there is much more to come from this unique and inspirational firm. I am delighted that Rachel is joining Shoosmiths and wish her all the very best in a role which will be extremely important as the firm moves forward in its next strategic phase.”
In 2015 Rachel was the recipient of The Lawyer Management Individual Award and has also been recognized in the FT’s Top 10 Global LGBT+ allies.
