DWF adds four partners from Kennedys in latest talent raid

DWF has hired five senior partners from rivals as it continues to scale up its insurance offering globally.

Four of the new arrivals - Jennifer Harris, Richard West, Claire Mulligan and Gareth Thomas - join from insurance-focused Kennedys, while Victoria Kennedy comes from DAC Beachcroft, also known as an insurance heavyweight.

Harris was managing partner of Kennedys’ Chelmsford office, while West headed up the firm's global liability defence practice and was also head of client innovation. Mulligan was head of Kennedy's travel team. Kennedy, meanwhile, was co-head of DACB's corporate insurance and risk group.

Bigger picture

​​This isn’t the first time this year PE-backed DWF has raided Kennedys for talent. In May, it hired a 13-strong marine insurance team - including five partners - for its London office, among them Chris Dunn, former head of Kennedys’ marine practice.

At the same time, it has moved to streamline operations. In April, it placed over 100 non-fee earning business services roles - around 2% of its global workforce - at risk of redundancy as part of an ongoing efficiency drive.

In June, the firm announced that CEO Sir Nigel Knowles would be stepping down after five years at the helm, handing over to insurance services head Matthew Doughty from August.

What they said

Claire Bowler, head of DWF’s major injury and casualty practice, said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Jennifer to the team, and look forward to Richard, Claire, Gareth and Victoria joining.

"Their arrival represents a significant investment and expansion of our services, and positions us strongly for future growth across our major injury and casualty work."

Doughty added: "The calibre and reputation of all five of these partners is exceptional and reflects our strategy to recruit the very best in the market."