King & Wood Mallesons Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

King & Wood Mallesons has 7 executives leading key functions including executive management, financial oversight, operational strategy, staff coordination, information technology, global operations, and regional operations.

Committed to excellence in international legal services, King & Wood Mallesons delivers sophisticated counsel across Asia, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East to drive client success.

Leadership Roles at King & Wood Mallesons

  • Manager - Office of the Chief Executive Officer Partner and Chair, Australia - Alyssa Chpea
  • Chief Financial Officer - Karen Mann
  • Chief Operating Officer - Yvonne Murayama
  • Global Chief Operating Officer & Senior Partner - Rupert Li
  • Chief of Staff - Helen Pearce
  • Chief Information Officer - Felicity Badcock
  • Chief Operations Officer - Devina Li
  • Alyssa Chpea - Manager - Office of the Chief Executive Officer Partner and Chair, Australia

    Alyssa Chpea, the Manager - Office of the Chief Executive Officer Partner and Chair, Australia at King & Wood Mallesons, directs high-level governance and strategic initiatives across the Australian market. Managing the interface between the executive office and the partnership, the Manager - Office of the Chief Executive Officer Partner and Chair, Australia ensures alignment with the firm's international legal standards. Alyssa Chpea coordinates complex stakeholder communications and facilitates board-level decision-making processes to maintain operational excellence. By overseeing the integration of regional policy with global firm objectives, the Manager - Office of the Chief Executive Officer Partner and Chair, Australia supports the expansion of legal service capabilities. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with senior partners to refine firm-wide governance frameworks. Through meticulous management of executive priorities, the Manager - Office of the Chief Executive Officer Partner and Chair, Australia secures the long-term stability of the Australian practice while upholding the reputation of the firm.

    Karen Mann - Chief Financial Officer

    Karen Mann, the Chief Financial Officer at King & Wood Mallesons, directs the global financial strategy and fiscal health of the international law firm. Overseeing capital allocation, budgeting, and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the firm maintains robust liquidity across Asia, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East. Karen Mann manages complex tax structures and regulatory compliance requirements inherent in cross-border legal operations. By optimizing financial performance and resource distribution, the Chief Financial Officer supports the firm's ability to invest in talent and technology. This role involves close collaboration with the board to evaluate investment opportunities and mitigate fiscal risks. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer drives sustainable growth and profitability. Ultimately, Mann secures the financial foundation necessary for the firm to provide premium legal services to a diverse international client base.
    Karen Mann

    Yvonne Murayama - Chief Operating Officer

    Yvonne Murayama, the Chief Operating Officer at King & Wood Mallesons, directs internal business processes and administrative efficiency across the firm's global footprint. Focusing on the optimization of legal practice management, the Chief Operating Officer streamlines workflows to enhance service delivery for international clients. Yvonne Murayama manages the integration of cross-regional operational standards, ensuring consistency in service quality from Asia to the Middle East. By aligning administrative functions with the firm's strategic goals, the Chief Operating Officer improves productivity and reduces operational overhead. This leadership role involves constant interaction with practice group leaders to identify bottlenecks and implement scalable solutions. Through the implementation of best-in-class management practices, the Chief Operating Officer supports the firm's competitive position in the global legal market. Ultimately, Murayama drives the operational agility required to navigate the complexities of international law.

    Rupert Li - Global Chief Operating Officer & Senior Partner

    Rupert Li, the Global Chief Operating Officer & Senior Partner at King & Wood Mallesons, directs the firm's overarching operational strategy and maintains high-level client relationships. As a senior leader, the Global Chief Operating Officer & Senior Partner oversees the integration of regional practices into a cohesive global entity. Rupert Li manages the firm's expansion efforts, focusing on market penetration in key jurisdictions across Asia and beyond. By balancing operational responsibilities with the demands of a senior legal practice, the Global Chief Operating Officer & Senior Partner ensures that the firm remains at the forefront of international law. This role involves setting the strategic direction for practice groups and mentoring the next generation of legal talent. Through the alignment of global resources, the Global Chief Operating Officer & Senior Partner drives long-term value for the firm's international client base. Ultimately, Li secures the firm's reputation for excellence.
    Rupert Li

    Helen Pearce - Chief of Staff

    Helen Pearce, the Chief of Staff at King & Wood Mallesons, directs the execution of strategic priorities and manages the flow of information within the executive leadership team. Coordinating cross-functional projects, the Chief of Staff ensures that firm-wide initiatives receive the necessary resources and attention. Helen Pearce facilitates communication between the board and various practice groups, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. By managing the executive agenda, the Chief of Staff enables the leadership team to focus on high-impact decisions regarding market expansion and client service. This role involves synthesizing complex data into actionable insights for senior partners. Through the management of internal communications and project timelines, the Chief of Staff supports the firm's mission to provide world-class legal counsel. Ultimately, Pearce ensures that the firm's strategic vision translates into tangible results across all international regions.

    Felicity Badcock - Chief Information Officer

    Felicity Badcock, the Chief Information Officer at King & Wood Mallesons, directs the firm's digital transformation and technology infrastructure. Overseeing cybersecurity, data management, and legal technology integration, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the firm maintains a secure and efficient digital environment for global operations. Felicity Badcock manages the deployment of advanced software solutions that support legal research, document management, and client collaboration. By aligning technology investments with the firm's business model, the Chief Information Officer enhances the speed and accuracy of legal service delivery. This role involves collaborating with the board to address emerging digital threats and technological trends in the legal industry. Through the implementation of scalable IT systems, the Chief Information Officer supports the firm's ability to operate seamlessly across Asia, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East. Ultimately, Badcock secures the firm's digital assets and technological competitive advantage.
    Felicity Badcock

    Devina Li - Chief Operations Officer

    Devina Li, the Chief Operations Officer at King & Wood Mallesons, directs the logistical and supply chain aspects of the firm's professional services. Focusing on the physical and digital infrastructure required to support legal teams, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that all regional offices operate with maximum efficiency. Devina Li manages procurement, facilities, and resource allocation to support the firm's international presence. By optimizing the operational framework, the Chief Operations Officer enables legal professionals to focus on complex client matters without administrative friction. This role involves coordinating with regional managers to ensure that operational standards meet the firm's global requirements. Through the implementation of cost-effective and scalable operational processes, the Chief Operations Officer supports the firm's growth and profitability. Ultimately, Li drives the operational excellence necessary to maintain the firm's status as a premier international legal service provider.

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding King & Wood Mallesons Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads King & Wood Mallesons?
    King & Wood Mallesons is led by Alyssa Chpea (Manager - Office of the Chief Executive Officer Partner and Chair, Australia), along with executives such as Karen Mann (Chief Financial Officer) and Yvonne Murayama (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of King & Wood Mallesons’s executive team?
    The executive team of King & Wood Mallesons includes leaders such as Alyssa Chpea (Manager - Office of the Chief Executive Officer Partner and Chair, Australia), Karen Mann (Chief Financial Officer), Yvonne Murayama (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does King & Wood Mallesons have?
    King & Wood Mallesons has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in King & Wood Mallesons’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of King & Wood Mallesons includes roles such as Manager - Office of the Chief Executive Officer Partner and Chair, Australia, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Global Chief Operating Officer & Senior Partner, Chief of Staff.