Withers announces first new CEO in 25 years

Withers has announced that private client and tax partner Ceri Vokes will become its next CEO, taking over from Margaret Robertson - who has led the firm for nearly a quarter of a century.

Vokes joined Withers in 2006 after training at Linklaters and a stint at Hogan Lovells and made partner in 2013. She specialises in tax and trust advice, representing founders and entrepreneurs, family offices and private equity and hedge fund principals.

She is to assume the role on 1 July 2026, after a transition period, and will continue her client practice alongside her leadership responsibilities, the firm confirmed.

The Robertson years

Vokes succeeds Robertson, who joined Withers over four decades ago, became partner in 1990 and has led the firm for almost 25 years.

Her time at the firm included major milestones such as the 2002 merger with American firm Bergman, Horowitz & Reynolds, which gave the firm a foothold in the US, as well as a string of office launches across Europe, Asia and North America.

Withers is now one of the world’s largest private wealth-focused firms, and claims to have advised more than three-quarters of the Sunday Times Rich List and a quarter of the Forbes 400 list of wealthiest Americans.

What they said

Vokes said: "I am thrilled to have been elected as CEO and am grateful to the firm's partnership for placing their trust in me.

"I want to acknowledge and thank Margaret for her 25 years of leadership and dedication; her clear vision has steered the firm with purpose and helped define the firm we are today.

"I will work closely with the firm's management team to deliver on our strategic priorities, harness our entrepreneurialism and realize our full potential."