Gerard Daniels gains Gaines

Law Society of Western Australia executive director Alison Gaines has taken a position with executive recruitment firm Gerard Daniels as global practice leader for board consulting.

Ms Gaines’ role will be based in Perth, and she told WA Business News this week that she was looking forward to the opportunity.

“The need for people to focus on boards is so much more important because of the corporate environment we operate in today,” Ms Gaines said.

“It is really important for boards to have a sense of purpose and for people on boards to contribute different strengths.

“Boards need a good strategy and people with appropriate skills to suit the organisation as well as the ability to reflect on their own performance and the performance of individuals on the board.”

She said the opportunity to run an international role out of the Perth office was unique.

“It goes to show that Perth can be a place to launch an international career, and for someone who loves living in Perth as well as seeing the world, it is a fantastic opportunity,” Ms Gaines said.

Gerard Daniels managing director Lloyd Smith said the group was very pleased to welcome Ms Gaines at a significant period of growth for the firm.

“Not only will Alison provide an outstanding calibre leader for board consulting within our Perth practice, but having recently established offices in UK/Europe and the US, her global executive experience will greatly enhance our business growth strategies within these international markets,” he said.

Mr Smith said Ms Gaines came to the firm with significant experience in senior executive roles, including current board level committee and related professional memberships.

Ms Gaines was with the Law Society for nearly nine years and will begin her role at Gerard Daniels at the end of February. A replacement has not been announced.

During her time with the Law Society, Ms Gaines was nominated as State Finalist for the Telstra Business Women’s Award in 2000 and was recognised as Inaugural Winner International Travelling Scholarship (Perth Convention Bureau Association Scholarship) in 1999, attending the International Bar Association Conference in Boston, US.