Cowell Clarke has announced a series of promotions and leadership updates, including the promotion of Kim Vella to Chief Operating Officer and five lawyer promotions across the firm, effective 1 July 2026.
As part of the leadership transition, Natasha Nicholas will move from her current role as Chief Operating Officer to focus fully on her role as Chief Financial Officer. The change will allow Natasha to focus on the firm’s finance function, while Kim assumes responsibility for the broader operational portfolio.
Cowell Clarke CEO Rob Comazzetto said Kim’s promotion recognised her significant contribution to the firm and the important role she plays in supporting Cowell Clarke’s people, operations, systems and client service capability.
“Kim has made an outstanding contribution to Cowell Clarke in the past year and has been instrumental in strengthening the way we operate as a firm,” Mr Comazzetto said. “Her leadership, commercial judgement and commitment to our people and clients make her ideally placed to take on the role of Chief Operating Officer.”
Mr Comazzetto also acknowledged Natasha’s contribution as COO and her continued leadership as CFO.
“Natasha has played a significant role in leading the firm’s operations while also overseeing our finance function,” Mr Comazzetto said. “We are grateful for the leadership and discipline she has brought to both areas, and we look forward to her continued contribution as Chief Financial Officer.”
Cowell Clarke has also announced five lawyer promotions across its Corporate and Commercial, Dispute Resolution and Employment teams, recognising the talent, commitment and contribution of lawyers across the firm.
The promotions are:
· Louise Blair – Associate Director (Corporate and Commercial)
· Frank Beale – Senior Associate (Corporate and Commercial)
· Orestis Gambranis – Senior Associate (Dispute Resolution)
· Jemma Andretzke – Associate (Employment)
· Alex Dorrington – Associate (Corporate and Commercial)
Mr Comazzetto said the promotions reflected the firm’s continued investment in its people and the depth of legal talent supporting clients across key areas of commercial law.
“These promotions recognise the technical capability, client focus and professional growth demonstrated by Louise, Frank, Orestis, Jemma and Alex,”
Mr Comazzetto said.
“Each has made a valuable contribution to Cowell Clarke and to the clients they support.”
He said the group reflected the qualities Cowell Clarke is proud to develop as the firm continues to grow.
“What stands out about this group is the way they combine strong legal skills with commercial judgement and a collaborative approach,” Mr Comazzetto said. “They reflect the kind of talent we are proud to develop at Cowell Clarke - people who understand our clients’ businesses and contribute positively to the culture of our firm.”
Together with Megan Jongebloed’s recent re-appointment as Chair, the promotions and leadership changes reflect Cowell Clarke’s ongoing commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive culture where talented people are supported to grow their careers and deliver meaningful outcomes for clients.
About Cowell Clarke
Cowell Clarke is a specialist commercial law firm with offices in Sydney and Adelaide, acting for clients across all industries and sectors in Australia and internationally. With a team of over 185 professionals, we provide commercially astute legal advice that helps clients gain a competitive edge in their market.
Our lawyers work closely with clients to understand their business, identify opportunities, and achieve strategic outcomes. What sets us apart is our personal approach, deep commercial insights, and unwavering dedication to client success.
At the heart of our growing firm is our people. We take pride in fostering a positive and inclusive culture where talent thrives.
For more information, visit www.cowellclarke.com.au or contact Bianca Buchhorn, Head of Business Development & Marketing.
Media Contact:
Bianca Buchhorn, Head of Business Development and Marketing.
Ph: 0447 425 167 or email: bbuchhorn@cowellclarke.com.au