Alice Whittaker to take over as Philip Lee chair
Philip Lee LLP has named Alice Whittaker as the new chair of the firm, a role that she will take up on 1 January.
Founding partner and current chair Philip Lee will retire at the end of 2025.
The firm says that, as chair, Whittaker will be responsible for leading the firm’s strategic direction, strengthening the culture, and supporting the partnership and growth of the firm.
She will also continue to lead the firm’s environment-and-climate group.
‘Big shoes to fill’
Whittaker joined Philip Lee in 2004 and was promoted to partner in 2007. She has contributed to the firm’s brand and growth strategy over the past 21 years.
Her work has included securing judicial-review-free permissions for landmark projects – including the Dublin Waste to Energy facility, the National Children’s and Maternity Hospitals, and the Port of Cork redevelopment at Ringaskiddy.
More recently she has focused on maritime planning, renewables, and sustainable infrastructure.
Whittaker said that founder Philip Lee was “leaving some big shoes to fill, but has laid the groundwork for a successful transition”.
‘Capable hands’
Jonathan Kelly (managing partner) said that, collectively, he and the new chair would focus on the core strengths of the business.
“The professionalism and expertise of Philip Lee is embedded in the business and that’s a great basis to propel forward,” he added.
Philip Lee said: “I’m proud to leave the firm in the very capable hands of the partnership led by Jonathan and Alice”.