Mark Rigotti leaves legal practice for leadership role

Mark Rigotti leaves legal practice for leadership role

Just after retirement from HSF's partnership, Rigotti takes up the lead role of Australian Institute of Company Directors

Ex-global CEO of Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF), Mark Rigotti leaves the firm to head Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).

Having served as HSF's first sole global CEO from 2014 till 2020, news of Rigotti's parting appeared a month after he retired from HSF's partnership and started a part-time advisory role. Angus Armour succeeded him as the managing director and CEO of the AICD, one of Australia's top business leadership, training, and networking organisations.

Rigotti, based in Sydney, mentioned in LinkedIn post conveying his gratitude for all that HSF has provided him, benefited from many opportunities, friendships and professional relationships, learned and developed a lot. There have also been some challenging experiences along the way, which turned out to be great learning experiences for him.

Earlier to its 2012 merger with Herbert Smith, UK firm, Rigotti joined Australian legacy firm Freehills in 1996. Previously he took up the CEO position serving many leadership roles including head of the banking and corporate groups.

Being CEO of the firm, he supervised its effective post-merger incorporation and noteworthy European, African, Asian and notably, US expansion. With senior partner, James Palmer, as manager of the firm's executive committee from London in tandem, he led the firm's response to an important number of post-merger departures by senior partners, recognized and improving the firm and placing it on a strong foothold.

Previously, he was proficient in HSF's finance group, worked with international and blue-chip Australian clients, led the firm's clients and markets relations as well – Rigotti's overall client experience will serve him in good stead for his role.

Hence his interest is in governance and supporting business as Australia amends to new leadership in Canberra followed by Labor's victory in the recent federal election.

With various Australian business groups and charities, Rigotti has held non-executive roles as well. It includes acting as chair of the University of Sydney's Open Society and Common Purpose Taskforce. Since 2010 he has also served on the board of children's cancer charity Redkite, later became its chair in 2021.

According to John Atkin, AICD chair, Mark has established capacity to head major organisations through restoration change. As a non-executive director, he has significant experience, especially in the not-for-profit sector.

"His involvement with some of our key stakeholders, like Business Council of Australia, Australia-Korea and European-Australian Business Councils and the University of Sydney, will prove priceless," added Atkin.

Working jointly with Armour, Rigotti will take up the position in July, 2022 till Armour's departure from the AICD in September 2022.

"To deliver an even stronger organisation, I am looking ahead to meet our members, stakeholders and staff and working with the team that adds more value for members and even more engaging environment for staff," Rigotti informed AICD members.

Conveying message to LinkedIn friends and colleagues, he mentioned that HSF will continue to flourish and prosper. In his career, this will be the next chapter to avail all the opportunities and experiences the firm will provide.

Rebecca Maslen-Stannage, HSF senior partner, perceived: "Mark has made a huge influence to the firm during his tenure with us. We wish him all the very best as he takes up this exciting role as he leaves with our gratitude."

As global CEO of HSF, Rigotti was succeeded by Hong Kong-based Justin D'Agostino.