Insurance law firm Gilchrist Connell has announced a “changing of the guard”, with Belinda Cohen to replace managing principal Richard Wood.  

Ms Cohen will take on the new title of CEO – replacing the managing principal role – from July 1 after being elected by the firm’s principal group.  

She has a background in law and senior human resources positions and has been Gilchrist Connell’s chief people officer since joining in October 2020.

“I am wholly motivated to continue doing what GC does best ... keep our people and client relationships at the centre of what we do, building a high-performance workplace where people thrive and clients benefit from engaged lawyers solving their legal needs,” Ms Cohen said.  

Mr Wood, who has held the leadership position since 2008, is expected to maintain a role in the company with his clients.