Gilbert + Tobin Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Gilbert + Tobin has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, technology, risk, and people.

Driven by complex legal challenges, Gilbert + Tobin is dedicated to delivering exceptional outcomes and innovative solutions, positioning the firm as a leader in Australia's evolving legal landscape.

Leadership Roles at Gilbert + Tobin

  • Chief Executive Officer - Sam Nickless
  • Chief Financial Officer - Nyree Dayeian
  • Chief Information Officer - Mitchell Owens
  • Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer - Gerard Milne
  • Chief People Officer - Anna Sparkes
  • Sam Nickless - Chief Executive Officer

    Sam Nickless, the Chief Executive Officer at Gilbert + Tobin, directs the firm's overall strategy and operational execution. Nickless guides the firm's approach to complex legal matters across financial services, healthcare, technology, and infrastructure sectors. This leadership involves ensuring the delivery of comprehensive legal services, including corporate advisory, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory compliance, to both private and public sector clients. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on fostering innovation and maintaining the firm's position as Australia's most advanced law firm. Sam Nickless drives the firm's commitment to achieving exceptional outcomes and navigating the dynamic legal environment. The CEO's role is central to upholding the firm's reputation for tackling critical legal challenges with precision and expertise.

    Nyree Dayeian - Chief Financial Officer

    Nyree Dayeian, the Chief Financial Officer at Gilbert + Tobin, manages the firm's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Dayeian oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation, ensuring robust financial management across the firm's diverse practice areas. This role is critical for supporting the firm's growth initiatives and maintaining financial stability while delivering specialized legal services in sectors like financial services, healthcare, and technology. The Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial strategies align with the firm's objective of providing innovative solutions and exceptional outcomes. Nyree Dayeian's oversight extends to optimizing financial performance and supporting complex transactions and advisory services. The CFO's expertise is vital for navigating the financial intricacies of large-scale legal engagements and maintaining the firm's advanced market position.

    Mitchell Owens - Chief Information Officer

    Mitchell Owens, the Chief Information Officer at Gilbert + Tobin, architects the firm's technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives. Owens leads the integration of advanced technological solutions to enhance legal service delivery, operational efficiency, and client experience across all sectors the firm serves, including infrastructure and technology. This position is crucial for maintaining Gilbert + Tobin's status as Australia's most advanced law firm by leveraging cutting-edge IT infrastructure and cybersecurity measures. The Chief Information Officer ensures that technology supports complex legal advisory, M&A activities, and regulatory compliance efforts. Mitchell Owens drives the adoption of digital tools that empower legal professionals and streamline workflows. The CIO's vision is instrumental in developing secure, scalable, and innovative technological frameworks that underpin the firm's commitment to exceptional outcomes and navigating the evolving legal landscape.

    Gerard Milne - Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer

    Gerard Milne, the Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer at Gilbert + Tobin, spearheads both the firm's risk management framework and its revenue generation strategies. Milne is responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks across all client engagements and operational areas, ensuring compliance and safeguarding the firm's reputation. Concurrently, this executive drives business development and revenue growth by optimizing client relationships and expanding service offerings in key sectors like financial services and healthcare. The dual role ensures that risk mitigation strategies directly support and enable revenue-generating activities. Gerard Milne's leadership focuses on balancing prudent risk management with aggressive market expansion to achieve exceptional outcomes. The Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer's strategic oversight is critical for the firm's sustained success and leadership in complex legal matters.
    Gerard Milne

    Anna Sparkes - Chief People Officer

    Anna Sparkes, the Chief People Officer at Gilbert + Tobin, leads the firm's human capital strategy, focusing on talent acquisition, development, and retention. Sparkes cultivates a high-performance culture that supports the firm's commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes and innovative solutions across its specialized sectors. This role is vital for attracting and nurturing legal talent capable of handling complex advisory, M&A, and regulatory compliance matters. The Chief People Officer ensures that the firm's workforce is equipped with the skills and expertise necessary to navigate Australia's evolving legal landscape. Anna Sparkes drives initiatives that foster employee engagement, professional growth, and diversity, reinforcing Gilbert + Tobin's position as a leading employer. The Chief People Officer's strategic focus on people development is fundamental to the firm's operational excellence and continued market leadership.

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Gilbert + Tobin Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Gilbert + Tobin?
    Gilbert + Tobin is led by Sam Nickless (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Nyree Dayeian (Chief Financial Officer) and Mitchell Owens (Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of Gilbert + Tobin’s executive team?
    The executive team of Gilbert + Tobin includes leaders such as Sam Nickless (Chief Executive Officer), Nyree Dayeian (Chief Financial Officer), Mitchell Owens (Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Gilbert + Tobin have?
    Gilbert + Tobin has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Gilbert + Tobin’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Gilbert + Tobin includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer, Chief People Officer.