Hall & Wilcox appoints Wendy Stops as new board member

Hall & Wilcox has appointed experienced director Wendy Stops to its board, as an external member. 

Chair of Partners Emma Woolley said, ‘We are excited about the opportunities presented by having Wendy on our Board. Wendy will bring great insight to the firm as we pursue our aspiration to be Australia’s leading independent law firm, powered by our great culture and focus on client service and technology.’

Wendy has extensive information technology transformation, business operations and risk management experience in professional services. She holds several board roles, including with Coles Group, Melbourne Business School (including Chair of the Institute of Digital Innovation & AI) and PwC Australia’s Governance Board.

Wendy has previously held chair and director roles at many other organisations, including Fitted for Work, Blackmores Group, Altium and the Commonwealth Bank. She was also deputy chancellor and a council member at the University of Melbourne. Prior to her board career, Wendy spent 32 years with Accenture.

Wendy said, ‘I’m looking forward to working with the Hall & Wilcox team to bring my insight and experience from my various board roles, my extensive time in professional services and my experience with technology, especially given this fast-paced world of technological innovation and AI we operate in.’

Wendy’s appointment takes effect from 1 March 2026.

Separately, external board member Steve Knight will be stepping off the Board this month, February 2026. Steve has been an external board member since 2021. 

The firm has greatly benefitted from Steve being on the Hall & Wilcox Board. 

Emma Woolley said, ‘Steve has provided a valuable external perspective. He has supported and guided us to enhance our financial reporting. Steve has been an active Board member and is never afraid to ask difficult questions and challenge us.’

We thank Steve for his commitment and contribution to the firm.