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Kennedys Appoints Tracy Watkinson as First COO

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Business Honor- Kennedys Appoints Tracy Watkinson as First Chief Operating Officer

Business Honor
20 June, 2025

Kennedys names Tracy Watkinson as first Chief Operating Officer to enhance operations and global growth.

Global law firm Kennedys has appointed Tracy Watkinson as its first-ever Chief Operating Officer (COO), marking a significant milestone in the firm's strategy to expand its operations and develop leadership capacity. The hire is part of Kennedys' wider plans for international growth, with the firm hoping to reach a worldwide turnover of US$1 billion by 2030.

Watkinson brings over two decades of senior experience from the world's leading financial institutions, such as NatWest Group, Barclays, UBS, and Credit Suisse, with a series of operational and finance leadership roles. She spearheaded a global finance transformation at NatWest and created a new COO function with 300 staff, demonstrating her ability to lead significant operational transformations. Her extensive experience will prove to be invaluable as Kennedys aims to transform its operations in accordance with its growth path.

As COO, Watkinson will lead Kennedys' transformation program, working closely with the firm's executive team, business services leadership, and senior management. In her role, she will drive operational efficiency and assist the firm in its growth in all its 47 offices globally. Kennedys posted a record FY 2024/25 revenue of £428 million, and with over 2,900 staff across 19 nations, the firm is well placed for success.

Global managing partner Meg Catalano highlighted how Watkinson's appointment is a testament to Kennedys' dedication to sustainable growth and operational excellence. She added, "Tracy has extensive experience of operating complex operational environments and will be instrumental in driving our strategic ambitions."

Watkinson's hiring also follows the hiring of other senior business services leaders, including the company's first chief knowledge officer and chief information officer. Under her leadership, Kennedys is well-positioned to enhance its operational structure and continue its path of growth.