Her work history includes stints at Baker McKenzie, Bendelta, EY, PwC
Hicksons | Hunt & Hunt | Holman Webb has announced the appointment of Rita Derrick – who was previously chief of staff to the national managing partner at Baker McKenzie – as its new chief operating officer.
In a media release, the firm shared that Derrick’s addition aims to help it grow and innovate.
“We are delighted to welcome Rita to the firm as we continue our ambitious growth plans and look forward to the contribution she will make as Chief Operating Officer,” said Cameron Leaver, managing partner, in the media release.
“I am excited to be joining the firm at a pivotal moment of expansion and where operational excellence and strong commercial foundations are more important than ever,” Derrick added.
In its media release, the firm noted that Derrick has garnered experience in the areas of finance, commercial operations, business advisory services, and strategic leadership.
“Throughout my career, I have worked closely with leadership teams to translate strategy into action, strengthen governance, and support sustainable growth,” Derrick said in the media release.
“Her experience across complex professional services environments, including senior roles in strategy, finance, and firm operations, will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the business,” Leaver added.
In its media release, the firm highlighted Derrick’s financial background, including her qualification as a chartered accountant.
“I look forward to applying my experience across finance, operations, and advisory to help the firm continue to deliver outstanding outcomes for its clients and people,” Derrick said in the media release.
A commercial law firm, Hicksons | Hunt & Hunt | Holman Webb has a roster of lawyers who provide legal and commercial advice, services, and solutions to governments, organisations, and individuals in Australia and Asia.
Derrick’s LinkedIn profile provided more information regarding her professional experience.
She served as chief of staff at Baker McKenzie in Australia from December 2024 to February 2026 and from January 2020 to October 2021.
In Sydney, Derrick worked as head of finance and operations at Bendelta from August 2023 to November 2024, and as director for Oceania strategy and transactions head of operations and finance at EY from November 2021 to August 2023.
Also in Sydney, she acted as risk assurance – national strategy and operations senior manager at PwC Australia from June 2018 to October 2019. Before that, she was a senior accountant at the Australian Securities and Investment Commission.
