Gavin Bell became Freehills’ chief executive officer (CEO) and chief managing partner on 1 July 2005.
Gavin first came to Freehills in 1982 as a solicitor in the Litigation group. He then worked in the Projects group prior to becoming a partner in that group in 1988.
As partner at Freehills for seventeen years, Gavin specialised in the infrastructure and construction area and remained a partner working in the Projects group up until 2001.
In this role, Gavin advised many of Australia’s leading construction companies, banks and developers. His career highlights as a partner include many of the major projects carried out throughout Australia over the last two decades.
In November 2001 Gavin took up the position as the chief operating officer (COO). As COO Gavin was responsible for the general operation of the firm. He also focused heavily on the firm’s client base and client service. During this period the firm’s client base and profile grew considerably. This role provided him with a wide range of work experience and a skill set which equipped him well for his role as CEO.
Gavin considers a highlight of his current dual roles as managing partner and CEO to be the satisfaction of engaging with people 'and the knowledge that if I do a good job, there are benefits to everyone'. He also enjoys his continued interaction with the firm’s clients.
He finds working with people at Freehills 'a source of constant inspiration'. He is also inspired by his wife and his five children (aged between 10 months and 14 years).
Gavin is currently a member of the Australian Graduate School of Management Advisory Council and the Business Council of Australia.
He completed his law degree at the University of Sydney and graduated in 1982. He undertook a Master of Business Administration (Executive) degree at the Australian Graduate School of Management and graduated in 1995, winning the Directors' Prize.
