Gadens Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Gadens has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial management, operational efficiency, and human capital development.

Committed to delivering comprehensive legal solutions across diverse sectors, Gadens maintains a focus on excellence in banking, construction, education, and government markets while fostering a culture of professional integrity.

Leadership Roles at Gadens

  • Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner - Mark Pistilli
  • Chief Financial Officer - Glenn Lihou
  • Chief Operating Officer - Russell Fox
  • Chief People Officer - Lisa Eskander
  • Mark Pistilli - Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner

    Mark Pistilli, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner at Gadens, directs the firm's overarching strategic vision and market positioning. Overseeing the integration of legal services across banking, construction, education, and government sectors, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner ensures alignment with long-term growth objectives. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the partnership to refine service delivery models and maintain high standards of client advocacy. By driving firm-wide initiatives, Mark Pistilli shapes the competitive trajectory of the organization within the Australian legal landscape. The Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner also manages high-level stakeholder relationships, ensuring the firm remains a preferred partner for complex legal matters. Through rigorous oversight of firm performance, Pistilli secures the stability and reputation of the practice, ultimately fostering a culture of excellence that permeates every department and client interaction across the entire national footprint.

    Glenn Lihou - Chief Financial Officer

    Glenn Lihou, the Chief Financial Officer at Gadens, manages the firm's fiscal health and capital allocation strategies. Overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, and tax compliance, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the firm maintains robust liquidity to support expansion across banking and construction markets. This leadership role involves collaborating with the executive team to optimize resource distribution and enhance profitability. By implementing advanced financial controls, Glenn Lihou mitigates risk and supports sustainable growth for the partnership. The Chief Financial Officer also monitors economic trends to inform long-term investment decisions, ensuring the firm remains resilient in a fluctuating legal market. Through precise management of financial operations, Lihou provides the necessary data-driven insights to guide strategic planning. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the fiscal integrity required to uphold the firm's reputation as a premier provider of legal services throughout Australia.
    Glenn Lihou

    Russell Fox - Chief Operating Officer

    Russell Fox, the Chief Operating Officer at Gadens, directs the internal infrastructure and daily business processes that support the firm's legal practice. Overseeing technology integration, office administration, and workflow efficiency, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that legal teams possess the tools necessary to serve clients in the education and government sectors effectively. This leadership role involves streamlining operational procedures to reduce overhead and improve service delivery speed. By architecting scalable systems, Russell Fox enhances the firm's capacity to handle complex, multi-jurisdictional legal projects. The Chief Operating Officer also coordinates with department heads to ensure operational consistency across all regional offices. Through the implementation of modern management practices, Fox drives productivity and maintains the high standards expected of a full-service firm. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer secures the operational foundation that allows the firm to deliver consistent, high-quality results for every client.

    Lisa Eskander - Chief People Officer

    Lisa Eskander, the Chief People Officer at Gadens, directs the firm's human capital strategy, focusing on talent acquisition, professional development, and organizational culture. Overseeing recruitment initiatives and employee retention programs, the Chief People Officer ensures the firm attracts top-tier legal talent capable of navigating the complexities of banking and construction law. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive environment that promotes continuous learning and career progression for all staff. By implementing performance management frameworks, Lisa Eskander aligns individual contributions with the firm's broader strategic goals. The Chief People Officer also manages internal communications and wellness initiatives to maintain high levels of engagement across the workforce. Through the cultivation of a strong professional culture, Eskander supports the firm's ability to deliver exceptional client service. Ultimately, the Chief People Officer drives the development of a high-performing team that sustains the firm's competitive advantage in the Australian market.

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Gadens Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Gadens?
    Gadens is led by Mark Pistilli (Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner), along with executives such as Glenn Lihou (Chief Financial Officer) and Russell Fox (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Gadens’s executive team?
    The executive team of Gadens includes leaders such as Mark Pistilli (Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner), Glenn Lihou (Chief Financial Officer), Russell Fox (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Gadens have?
    Gadens has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Gadens’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Gadens includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief People Officer.