Gowling WLG names firm lifer Chris Towle as next UK chief

Gowling WLG has appointed Birmingham corporate partner Chris Towle as its next UK chief executive, succeeding David Fennell after more than a decade in the role.

Towle, a firm lifer who joined legacy Wragge & Co as a trainee in 2004, will take over in May 2026 following a transition period with Fennell. He currently leads Gowling’s Birmingham corporate team and co-leads the firm’s US initiatives globally. He was made a partner in 2016.

Changing of the guard

Fennell, who has led the UK LLP since 2014, will step down after overseeing some of the most significant chapters in the firm’s history - including the merger between Wragge & Co and Lawrence Graham and the 2016 transatlantic combination with Canada’s Gowlings that created Gowling WLG.

Under his leadership, the firm expanded internationally with new offices in Frankfurt, Beijing, Shanghai and Abu Dhabi, while steering through challenges such as the pandemic and major investments in people innovation.

"It’s been the privilege of my professional career to serve as CEO since 2014," Fennell said. "I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together - from the successful launch of Gowling WLG and sustained growth of the UK LLP, broadening our client base and international footprint, and our investment in people and innovation, to navigating unprecedented challenges such as COVID-19."

Next generation

Towle said he was "deeply honoured and extremely excited" to be taking on the role, adding that he would focus on driving growth and international ambitions. "David has been a fantastic leader and has made a huge contribution to the firm. We’re working closely together between now and May," he said.

Emma Pioli, chair of the UK LLP, said Towle’s appointment had the "overwhelming support" of the partnership and praised Fennell’s contribution over 12 years at the helm.

The leadership change comes shortly after the arrival of Sarah Felger as chief operating officer last month, signalling the start of a new chapter for Gowling’s UK business.