Beth Wilson selected as Chief Executive Officer of Dentons Canada LLP

TORONTO, June 26, 2017 /CNW/ - Dentons, the world's largest law firm, announced today that Beth Wilson, former KPMG Greater Toronto Area Managing Partner, has been selected as its Canada CEO effective July 1, 2017, and will become a member of the Dentons Global Management Committee and Global Board. Chris Pinnington, current Canada CEO and Chair, who earlier announced his intention to step down as part of a planned succession after almost eight years in the CEO role, will continue to serve as Chair of Dentons Canada.

A respected senior strategic business leader, Beth joins the Firm with extensive professional services experience, most recently leading KPMG Canada's largest business unit. Beth served many years as a member of KPMG's Management Committee, in various leadership positions including Canadian Managing Partner Community Leadership, Canadian Managing Partner Regions & Enterprise with responsibility for 24 regional offices across Canada, and Chief Human Resources Officer. She also held leadership roles globally. Beth is widely known and respected in the Canadian business community and is an accomplished and dedicated community leader, having been recognized by leading organizations including YWCA Toronto, Canadian Women of Influence and WXN.

"Beth's appointment as CEO is clearly a bold and innovative move in the legal profession – one which we are confident will resonate with our clients. It is a reflection of our clients' increasing view that their legal advisors should be more than just a traditional law firm, and should offer broader perspectives, insights and understanding of their business and industry. This move will further engage our people and underscore to the legal and business community that Dentons truly is a leader in the profession," said Richard Scott, Chair of the Canada Board. "Beth's demonstrated leadership skills and experience in a large global professional services firm make her eminently qualified for this role."

"I am humbled and excited to be given the opportunity to lead Dentons in Canada, and join the Global Management Committee and Board of one of the most forward thinking and progressive law firms in the world," said Beth Wilson, the incoming Canada CEO of Dentons.

"I was drawn to the Dentons brand, culture and values. The Firm is recognized in Canada and globally for its innovation, focus on delivering value and results to clients, and commitment to an inclusive culture that empowers diverse teams and supports entrepreneurial spirit. I am proud to take the lead as we drive forward our strategy – building the law firm of the future now, inspiring our great people, attracting new, innovative talent from multiple sectors, and delivering on the differentiated service excellence our clients require."

"We are delighted to welcome Beth to Dentons. Our clients in Canada and around the world will benefit from her strategic advice and insights," said Elliott Portnoy, Dentons Global CEO. "The auditing and consulting professions, similar to our legal profession, are undergoing significant disruption and transformation. Beth's extensive experience and leadership will play an important role in shaping how Dentons responds to this disruption. We owe a great debt of gratitude to Chris Pinnington, not just for his outstanding leadership in Canada, but for the immense contribution he has made to the growth of our Firm globally."

Global Chairman Joe Andrew said, "Dentons' polycentric approach and world-class talent challenges the status quo to advance client interests in the communities in which we live and work. Beth exemplifies this through her board and community involvement, and her advancement of women in business – this is truly a very exciting appointment for Dentons and the legal industry."

-ENDS-

About Dentons
Dentons is the world's largest law firm, delivering quality and value to clients around the globe. Dentons is a leader on the Acritas Global Elite Brand Index, a BTI Client Service 30 Award winner and recognized by prominent business and legal publications for its innovations in client service, including founding Nextlaw Labs and the Nextlaw Global Referral Network. Dentons' polycentric approach and world-class talent challenge the status quo to advance client interests in the communities in which we live and work.

SOURCE Dentons Canada LLP (Communications)

For further information: Melissa Homenuik, Director Communications, Canada, Dentons Canada LLP, D +1 403 268 6858, M +1 403 815 3650, melissa.homenuik@dentons.com