Kelly Davis has been named chief people officer (CPO) at Gowling WLG, a newly created position within the firm.
Davis brings more than two decades of expertise as a senior HR executive, having previously worked with diverse national and global employers across various industries.
Before joining Gowling WLG, Davis held the role of CPO at Sunwing Travel Group. There, she led a global talent team responsible for human resources, total rewards, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and learning and development initiatives for an expansive workforce of 24,000 employees across 14 countries.
In her role at Gowling WLG, Davis will oversee the firm’s human resources, legal talent, DEI, wellness, benefits, and learning & development sectors. She is tasked with crafting and executing a comprehensive people strategy that encompasses all legal professionals and business services team members, emphasizing the firm’s commitment to its people as a crucial asset.
Furthermore, Davis 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. With her guidance, we’ll continue building a stronger, more inclusive firm community where everyone can thrive,” said Steve McKersie, CEO at Gowling WLG Canada.
Davis expressed her enthusiasm for the role, noting the evolving nature of workplace dynamics.
“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,” Davis said.
“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.”
Apart from her professional endeavors, Davis is actively engaged in various causes. She serves on the board of the Strategic Capability Network (SCNetwork) and is a member of the International Women’s Forum of Canada.
Her notable contributions include co-chairing the CEO Pledge Committee with the BlackNorth Initiative and holding a board director position with White Ribbon, an organization dedicated to ending gender-based violence.
