The Brief:
Marc Kemp has been named Allens' next Managing Partner, taking over from Richard Spurio on 1 July 2026.
Kemp beat out a field of internal candidates including Gavin Smith for the role.
Allens has named funds and superannuation specialist Marc Kemp as its next Managing Partner, replacing Richard Spurio, one of the longest-serving heads across the Big Six firms.
Kemp, who heads the firm's Funds, Superannuation & Financial Services practice, has been at Allens for almost 20 years and has been a partner since 2012. He's also a member of the firm's executive leadership team and heads its Sydney office.
His client work includes guiding Sunsuper through its merger with QSuper to form the $200bn Australian Retirement Trust, and advising BlackRock GIP on establishing its major Australia funds. Other clients include Charter Hall, Macquarie Asset Management, Ontario Teachers Pension Plan and Warburg Pincus.
Gavin Smith, Allens' corporate practice leader and Kemp are understood to have been the final two in contention for the top spot, with the board's decision landing as late as Wednesday this week.
Chair Chelsey Drake said Kemp brings exactly what the firm needs right now.
This is an exciting moment for us. Building on a strong foundation, Marc is exceptionally well-placed to guide the firm in a rapidly evolving legal and business environment.
Kemp said he's looking forward to building on the legacy Spurio leaves behind.
Source: Allens