Minter Ellison Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Minter Ellison has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial management, operational scaling, infrastructure oversight, and human capital development.

Focused on delivering sustainable value through precise legal insights, Minter Ellison shapes change for government entities and private firms by providing expert advisory services across diverse global industries.

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 clients in the education, financial services, and health sectors. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and driving growth across Australian and international markets. By fostering a culture of innovation, Virginia Briggs maintains the firm's reputation for providing sharp insights during mergers and acquisitions. The Chief Executive Officer coordinates with the board to execute long-term objectives, ensuring the firm remains a leader in dispute resolution and compliance. Through rigorous oversight of firm-wide performance, Briggs secures the competitive advantage necessary to navigate evolving regulatory landscapes and deliver consistent value to diverse clientele.
    Virginia Briggs

    Alison Ashdown - Chief Financial Officer

    Alison Ashdown, the Chief Financial Officer at Minter Ellison, manages the financial health and fiscal strategy of the organization. Overseeing capital allocation and budgetary planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the firm maintains the resources required to support high-level legal and consulting engagements. This role involves analyzing market trends to optimize revenue streams and mitigate financial risks associated with large-scale infrastructure projects. By implementing robust financial controls, Alison Ashdown supports the firm's commitment to sustainable value creation. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to align fiscal policies with the broader business model, facilitating expansion into new sectors. Through precise financial reporting and strategic investment, Ashdown strengthens the firm's capacity to serve government entities and private equity firms, ultimately ensuring long-term stability and operational efficiency across all regional and international business units.

    Alissa Anderson - Chief Operating Officer

    Alissa Anderson, the Chief Operating Officer at Minter Ellison, directs internal processes and organizational scaling to enhance service delivery. Overseeing the integration of technology advisory services, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that internal workflows support the firm's complex legal and consulting mandates. This leadership role involves streamlining administrative functions to improve productivity across the firm's diverse practice areas. By optimizing operational frameworks, Alissa Anderson enables the firm to respond rapidly to client demands in the health and infrastructure sectors. The Chief Operating Officer works closely with the executive team to implement systems that facilitate seamless collaboration between departments. Through the continuous refinement of internal protocols, Anderson drives the efficiency required to maintain high standards of compliance and service quality, ensuring the firm remains agile while managing large-scale projects for government and private sector clients.
    Alissa Anderson

    Julie Gough - Chief Operating Officer & Head of Operations

    Julie Gough, the Chief Operating Officer & Head of Operations at Minter Ellison, manages the physical and logistical infrastructure supporting the firm's daily operations. Overseeing supply chain logistics and facility management, the Chief Operating Officer & Head of Operations ensures that the firm's physical environment facilitates high-performance legal work. This role involves coordinating regional operations to support the firm's presence across Australia and international markets. By standardizing operational procedures, Julie Gough enhances the consistency of service delivery for clients in the financial services and education sectors. The Chief Operating Officer & Head of Operations collaborates with the executive team to align operational capacity with the firm's strategic growth targets. Through the effective management of resources and logistical assets, Gough supports the firm's ability to execute complex dispute resolution and advisory mandates, ensuring that all operational functions contribute directly to the firm's overarching mission.

    Rachel Banks - Chief People Officer

    Rachel Banks, the Chief People Officer at Minter Ellison, directs human capital strategy and talent development initiatives. Overseeing recruitment, retention, and professional growth programs, the Chief People Officer ensures the firm attracts and maintains the expertise required to provide precise legal advice. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive culture that aligns with the firm's commitment to creating value for people and communities. By implementing performance management systems, Rachel Banks supports the professional advancement of staff across all practice areas, including technology advisory and compliance. The Chief People Officer works with the executive team to ensure that workforce capabilities match the evolving needs of clients in the health and infrastructure sectors. Through the strategic management of human resources, Banks drives the engagement and productivity necessary to sustain the firm's market position and reputation for excellence in professional services.
    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.