Gadens Executive and Leadership Team

Mark Pistilli, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner at Gadens, directs the overarching strategic vision and firm-wide growth initiatives. Overseeing the integration of legal services across banking, construction, education, and government sectors, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner ensures alignment with national market demands. This leadership role involves managing high-level stakeholder relationships and driving the firm toward sustainable profitability. By fostering a culture of excellence, Mark Pistilli shapes the professional standards that define the firm. The Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner also coordinates with the board to execute long-term expansion plans across the Australian legal landscape. Through rigorous oversight of firm performance, Pistilli secures the competitive position of the organization. This executive leadership ensures that all legal practice areas remain responsive to evolving regulatory environments while maintaining the highest quality of service delivery for every client engagement.

Glenn Lihou, the Chief Financial Officer at Gadens, directs the financial strategy, fiscal planning, and capital management of the firm. Overseeing the budgeting process and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the long-term economic health of the organization. This role involves analyzing market trends within the legal industry to inform investment decisions and risk management protocols. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, Glenn Lihou supports the firm's ability to provide high-quality services to government and education clients. The Chief Financial Officer also collaborates with other executive leaders to allocate capital toward growth initiatives and infrastructure improvements. Through precise financial forecasting, Lihou provides the data necessary for informed decision-making at the partner level. This leadership position ensures that the firm maintains a strong balance sheet while navigating the complexities of the Australian legal market, ultimately driving sustainable financial performance and stability for the entire organization.

Russell Fox, the Chief Operating Officer at Gadens, manages the internal infrastructure and operational efficiency required to support a full-service law firm. Overseeing the daily execution of administrative workflows, the Chief Operating Officer optimizes resource allocation to ensure seamless service delivery across all practice groups. This role involves streamlining internal processes to enhance productivity and reduce overhead costs. By implementing advanced technology solutions, Russell Fox improves the operational agility of the firm. The Chief Operating Officer also monitors performance metrics to ensure that operational output aligns with the strategic goals established by the executive leadership team. Through the management of support departments, Fox maintains the structural integrity of the firm. This leadership function focuses on scaling internal capabilities to meet the complex needs of clients in the banking and construction sectors, ensuring that operational excellence remains a core pillar of the firm's market presence.

Lisa Eskander, the Chief People Officer at Gadens, architects the human capital strategy, talent acquisition, and professional development programs for the firm. Overseeing the recruitment of top-tier legal talent, the Chief People Officer ensures that the workforce possesses the expertise required to serve clients in banking, construction, and government. This role involves cultivating an inclusive workplace culture that promotes retention and high performance. By designing comprehensive training initiatives, Lisa Eskander empowers staff to excel in their respective practice areas. The Chief People Officer also manages performance management systems and employee engagement strategies to align individual contributions with the firm's broader mission. Through the development of robust HR policies, Eskander fosters a professional environment that attracts and retains industry-leading legal experts. This leadership function remains critical to the firm's ability to deliver consistent, high-quality legal services by ensuring that the human element of the business remains strong and highly motivated.