DLA Dubai chief takes charge of Australian alliance

Tony Holland will assume the role on 15 February 2010, taking over from current CEO Tony Crawford, who retires from this position at the end of this year.

Holland is a former partner of Australian firm Mallesons and will relocate to Melbourne as part of the new role, spending around three days a week in Sydney. A replacement for his Dubai position is still to be announced.

The CEO of DLA Phillips Fox oversees strategy for Australasia as part of a role that includes looking at opportunities in the Asia Pacific region.

Holland will be one of four CEOs in the DLA network. The firm has two joint CEOs - UK-based Nigel Knowles and Lee Miller in the US - while Chris Ewing is CEO of South African alliance partner Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr.

Crawford retires from the partnership at DLA Phillips Fox in March 2010.  He has been a partner at the firm for more than 20 years.
   
Holland said: “I know DLA Phillips Fox well, and see them as a strong player with great potential in the Asia Pacific region.  Tony Crawford is leaving the firm in great shape to take advantage of the many opportunities as economic conditions improve in Australia and the surrounding region.  

“I’m looking forward to working with the leadership group and the partners of the firm in the next stage of its development and growth.”