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Ben McLaren
Management
Auckland
Chief Executive Officer
+64 9 367 8358 DDI [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-mclaren-55a513b/
Profile Experience
Profile

Ben McLaren is the Chief Executive Officer of Russell McVeagh and leads the firm’s strategic direction and overall performance, working closely with the Board, partnership and executive leadership team. He is responsible for guiding the firm’s long-term strategy, strengthening client relationships and supporting the continued development of a high-performing and inclusive culture.

Ben joined Russell McVeagh in 2019 as Chief Financial Officer and later served as Chief Operating Officer, playing a key role in the firm’s transformation and growth. He brings more than 16 years of law firm management experience across New Zealand and Australia and has been closely involved in a number of the firm’s major strategic initiatives and business operations.

Ben is focused on the development and success of the firm’s partners and staff and on fostering an environment where people can do their best work. He is committed to ensuring Russell McVeagh remains a great place to work and continues to lead the market through the strength of its people, the quality of its work and the depth of its client relationships.

Prior to joining Russell McVeagh, Ben held senior roles in professional services and property, including Chief Financial Officer positions at Precinct Flex (formerly Generator) in New Zealand and Mills Oakley in Australia.

Experience

Ben McLaren brings more than 16 years’ experience in law firm and professional services management across New Zealand and Australia, with a strong track record in financial leadership, operational transformation and strategic growth.

Since joining Russell McVeagh in 2019, Ben has held senior executive roles including Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, before being appointed Chief Executive Officer. Across these roles, he has been closely involved in shaping and delivering major strategic initiatives, strengthening the firm’s operational platform and supporting sustained performance and growth.

Ben is a Chartered Accountant with deep expertise in law firm economics, pricing strategy and financial governance. He has led the establishment of robust financial control and compliance frameworks and has held responsibility for key external relationships, including banking, audit, insurance and regulatory bodies. He also has strong familiarity with tools and systems specific to the legal sector, including the practical use of technology and AI to improve efficiency, decision‑making and client experience.

A significant focus of Ben’s career has been on driving operational efficiency and scalability. He has extensive experience designing and managing profit distribution models and fee structures, and in delivering process improvement initiatives through technology, disciplined project management and continuous improvement practices to support growth and enhance client outcomes.

Prior to Russell McVeagh, Ben held senior leadership roles in professional services and property, including Chief Financial Officer positions at Precinct Flex (formerly Generator) in New Zealand and Mills Oakley in Australia. Ben spent more than five years at Mills Oakley, where he was part of the management team that helped accelerate the firm’s performance and reputation, supporting its progression from a mid-tier practice to a top 10 Australian law firm. Earlier in his career, Ben was Finance Manager at Australian law firm Gadens and began his professional career at Deloitte, specialising in financial services audit.

Ben holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance from Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington, and a Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting from Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.