Announcements & Appointments
Kelly Davis named chief people officer at law firm Gowlings WLG

Kelly Davis has joined Gowling WLG as its chief people officer (CPO), where she will help advance the firm’s people-first commitment and foster a work environment that encourages learning, collaboration and community building, it said in a press release.

With over 20 years of experience as a senior HR executive, Davis has worked with national and global employers in a variety of industries. Prior to joining Gowling WLG, she most recently served as the CPO at Sunwing Travel Group, where she led a global talent team overseeing HR, total rewards, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and learning and development for 24,000 employees across 14 countries.

In her new role, which is also a newly established position for Gowling WLG, Davis leads the firm’s HR, legal talent, DEI, wellness, benefits, and learning & development functions. She is responsible for creating and implementing an integrated overarching people strategy – inclusive of all legal professionals and business services team members – to develop, support and retain the firm’s people as its most important asset. She is a member of the firm’s Canadian Executive Committee.

“Kelly’s arrival reinforces our commitment to our people and promoting their growth, satisfaction and well-being,” said Steve McKersie, CEO at Gowling WLG Canada. “With her guidance, we’ll continue building a stronger, more inclusive firm community where everyone can thrive.”

“In recent years, we’ve seen a huge transformation in how people work – and their relationship to their work. With this change, ensuring that all of our people feel appreciated, supported and engaged is more important than ever,” said Kelly. “At Gowling WLG, I’m so excited to nurture a workplace where every member of our team is committed to our values and recognized as a key contributor to our success.”

Davis is actively involved in a number of causes, serving on the board of the Strategic Capability Network and as a member of the International Women’s Forum of Canada. She also co-chaired the CEO Pledge Committee with the BlackNorth Initiative and held a board director role with White Ribbon, a global movement dedicated to ending gender-based violence.