Minter Ellison Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Minter Ellison has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, technology, people, and client services.

Driven by a commitment to sustainable value, Minter Ellison provides precise legal and consulting advice, navigating complex changes for clients across diverse industries and shaping positive outcomes for communities.

Leadership Roles at Minter Ellison

  • Chief Executive Officer - Virginia Briggs
  • Chief Financial Officer - Allison Ashdown
  • Chief Operating Officer - Alissa Anderson
  • Head Chief Operating Officer, Operations - Julie Gough
  • Chief Information Officer - Nigel Stevenson
  • Chief People Officer - Mary Lyras
  • Virginia Briggs - Chief Executive Officer

    Virginia Briggs, the Chief Executive Officer at Minter Ellison, directs the firm's overarching strategy and market positioning. Briggs architects the vision for sustainable value creation, ensuring precise advice and sharp insights guide clients through complex industry shifts. Overseeing global operations and client engagement, Briggs drives the firm's mission to shape change across financial services, education, health, and infrastructure sectors. This leadership role involves fostering innovation in legal and consulting services, aligning departmental objectives with corporate goals, and enhancing Minter Ellison's international presence. By championing client-centric solutions, Virginia Briggs ensures the firm consistently delivers impactful outcomes and strengthens its reputation as a leading Australian law firm.
    Virginia Briggs

    Allison Ashdown - Chief Financial Officer

    Allison Ashdown, the Chief Financial Officer at Minter Ellison, manages the firm's financial health and strategic resource allocation. Ashdown oversees all fiscal operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring robust financial controls and compliance with regulatory standards. This role is critical in supporting Minter Ellison's expansion and service diversification across key industries like infrastructure and financial services. Ashdown's financial acumen guides investment decisions, optimizes capital structure, and drives profitability, directly contributing to the firm's objective of creating sustainable value. By providing sharp financial insights, Allison Ashdown empowers strategic planning and supports the firm's ability to navigate market changes effectively and maintain its competitive edge.

    Alissa Anderson - Chief Operating Officer

    Alissa Anderson, the Chief Operating Officer at Minter Ellison, directs the firm's operational efficiency and service delivery excellence. Anderson oversees the integration of technology and process improvements across all departments, ensuring seamless client service and internal workflow optimization. This leadership position is vital for supporting Minter Ellison's broad range of legal and consulting services, from dispute resolution to mergers and acquisitions. Anderson's focus on operational scalability enables the firm to effectively manage diverse client needs in sectors such as education and health. By driving operational strategies, Alissa Anderson ensures the firm navigates change effectively and delivers precise, insightful advice to clients both domestically and internationally.
    Alissa Anderson

    Julie Gough - Head Chief Operating Officer, Operations

    Julie Gough, the Head Chief Operating Officer, Operations at Minter Ellison, spearheads the execution of operational strategies and service delivery enhancements. Gough focuses on optimizing day-to-day business functions, ensuring the seamless delivery of legal and consulting services across all client engagements. This role is crucial for maintaining the high standards of precision and insight that Minter Ellison provides to sectors including education, health, and infrastructure. Gough's leadership drives efficiency in resource management and process improvement, directly supporting the firm's objective to create sustainable value. By managing operational workflows, Julie Gough ensures the firm effectively navigates complex client needs and market dynamics.

    Nigel Stevenson - Chief Information Officer

    Nigel Stevenson, the Chief Information Officer at Minter Ellison, leads the firm's technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives. Stevenson architects the firm's IT infrastructure, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures and the implementation of advanced technological solutions to enhance client services and operational efficiency. This role is pivotal in supporting Minter Ellison's commitment to offering sharp insights and precise advice across industries like financial services and infrastructure. Stevenson's oversight of technology advisory services ensures clients benefit from cutting-edge digital capabilities. By driving technological innovation, Nigel Stevenson enables the firm to navigate change effectively and maintain a competitive advantage in the evolving legal and consulting landscape.
    Nigel Stevenson

    Mary Lyras - Chief People Officer

    Mary Lyras, the Chief People Officer at Minter Ellison, directs the firm's human capital strategy and talent management initiatives. Lyras cultivates a culture that supports the firm's mission to create sustainable value for its people and communities, ensuring a high-performing and engaged workforce. This leadership role is essential for attracting, developing, and retaining top legal and consulting talent across all industries served by Minter Ellison. Lyras oversees employee development programs, diversity and inclusion efforts, and overall workforce well-being, fostering an environment where sharp insights and precise advice can flourish. By championing people-centric policies, Mary Lyras ensures Minter Ellison remains an employer of choice and a leader in shaping positive change.

    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 Allison 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), Allison Ashdown (Chief Financial Officer), Alissa Anderson (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Minter Ellison have?
    Minter Ellison has 6 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, Head Chief Operating Officer, Operations, Chief Information Officer.