Minter Ellison Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Minter Ellison has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, financial management, and human capital.

Committed to delivering precise legal and consulting insights, Minter Ellison drives sustainable value for clients across the education, financial services, and infrastructure sectors through expert navigation of complex regulatory landscapes.

Leadership Roles at Minter Ellison

  • Chief Executive Officer - Virginia Briggs
  • Chief Financial Officer - Alison Ashdown
  • Chief Operating Officer - Alissa Anderson
  • Chief Operating Officer & Head of Operations - Julie Gough
  • Chief People Officer - Rachel Banks
  • Virginia Briggs - Chief Executive Officer

    Virginia Briggs, the Chief Executive Officer at Minter Ellison, directs the overarching strategic vision and market positioning of the firm. Overseeing the delivery of legal and consulting services, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the needs of government entities and private equity firms. This leadership role involves fostering innovation across dispute resolution and mergers and acquisitions to maintain a competitive edge in the Australian market. By championing a culture of excellence, Virginia Briggs directly impacts the firm's ability to shape change for diverse clients. The Chief Executive Officer coordinates with the board to execute long-term growth initiatives while maintaining high standards of compliance. Through rigorous oversight of firm-wide performance, Briggs secures the reputation of the organization as a premier provider of legal solutions, ensuring that every service line contributes to the broader mission of creating sustainable value for all stakeholders.
    Virginia Briggs

    Alison Ashdown - Chief Financial Officer

    Alison Ashdown, the Chief Financial Officer at Minter Ellison, governs the financial health and fiscal strategy of the organization. Managing capital allocation and budgetary planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the firm maintains the necessary resources to support its diverse legal and consulting practices. This role involves analyzing market trends to inform investment decisions in technology and talent acquisition. By overseeing financial reporting and risk management, Alison Ashdown provides the stability required for long-term growth. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with the executive team to align fiscal objectives with the firm's broader mission of creating sustainable value. Through the implementation of rigorous financial controls, Ashdown safeguards the firm's assets while facilitating expansion into new market segments. This leadership role remains critical to the firm's ability to navigate complex economic environments, ensuring that financial performance consistently supports the delivery of high-quality legal services to clients.

    Alissa Anderson - Chief Operating Officer

    Alissa Anderson, the Chief Operating Officer at Minter Ellison, manages the internal infrastructure and service delivery frameworks that support the firm's legal practice. Focusing on the efficiency of business processes, the Chief Operating Officer optimizes resource allocation to enhance client outcomes in the health and infrastructure sectors. This role involves streamlining administrative workflows to ensure that legal teams operate with maximum agility. By implementing robust operational systems, Alissa Anderson drives productivity across the firm's national footprint. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with department heads to integrate technology advisory services into daily operations, thereby improving service delivery speed. Through the continuous refinement of internal protocols, Anderson supports the firm's commitment to providing sharp insights. This operational leadership ensures that the firm remains responsive to the evolving demands of the legal industry while maintaining the highest levels of service quality and professional integrity.
    Alissa Anderson

    Julie Gough - Chief Operating Officer & Head of Operations

    Julie Gough, the Chief Operating Officer & Head of Operations at Minter Ellison, oversees the execution of operational logistics and the management of physical and digital service environments. Focusing on the practical application of firm policies, the Chief Operating Officer & Head of Operations ensures that daily activities align with the firm's strategic goals. This role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to improve the delivery of compliance and dispute resolution services. By managing the operational infrastructure, Julie Gough drives the efficiency of the firm's service delivery models. The Chief Operating Officer & Head of Operations monitors performance metrics to identify opportunities for process improvement across all sectors. Through the systematic management of operational workflows, Gough ensures that the firm maintains its competitive advantage. This leadership role supports the firm's commitment to excellence by providing the necessary framework for legal professionals to deliver precise advice and sharp insights to clients.

    Rachel Banks - Chief People Officer

    Rachel Banks, the Chief People Officer at Minter Ellison, directs the human capital strategy and talent development initiatives for the firm. Overseeing recruitment, retention, and professional growth programs, the Chief People Officer ensures that the organization attracts and maintains top-tier legal and consulting talent. This role involves fostering an inclusive culture that aligns with the firm's mission of creating sustainable value. By implementing comprehensive training and development frameworks, Rachel Banks drives the professional advancement of the firm's workforce. The Chief People Officer collaborates with leadership to design performance management systems that reward excellence and innovation. Through the strategic management of employee engagement, Banks supports the firm's ability to provide high-quality service to clients across multiple industries. This leadership role remains essential to the firm's success, as the Chief People Officer ensures that the organization's most valuable asset—its people—remains equipped to navigate and shape change in the legal sector.
    Rachel Banks

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Minter Ellison Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Minter Ellison?
    Minter Ellison is led by Virginia Briggs (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Alison Ashdown (Chief Financial Officer) and Alissa Anderson (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Minter Ellison’s executive team?
    The executive team of Minter Ellison includes leaders such as Virginia Briggs (Chief Executive Officer), Alison Ashdown (Chief Financial Officer), Alissa Anderson (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Minter Ellison have?
    Minter Ellison has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Minter Ellison’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Minter Ellison includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Head of Operations, Chief People Officer.