We are pleased to welcome Simon Simmers to Todd Walker in the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer. Simon joins us on 19 January 2027 and will be based in our Queenstown office, also spending time in our Wānaka office.
Our people and our culture are at the heart of Todd Walker. We have been giving careful thought to how we can continue to support our people, strengthen our culture and position the firm well for the future, and creating the Chief Operating Officer role is an important part of that.
Working alongside the Principals and management team, Simon will provide strategic and day-to-day operational leadership across the firm, with a particular focus on people, culture and development. His appointment adds further depth to our executive leadership and builds on the people and culture work already underway across Todd Walker.
About Simon
Simon brings over 15 years’ experience across law and high-performance sport. He joins us from New Zealand Rugby, where he has spent the past decade in senior roles, most recently as General Manager, Professional Rugby Relationships. There, he led the team responsible for the contracts, employment relationships, integrity and wellbeing of the country’s elite professional players and coaches, including the All Blacks and Black Ferns. He also led New Zealand Rugby’s elite performance staff retention plan and worked closely with senior leadership and national team coaches.
Simon began his career as a Crown Prosecutor in the Eastern Bay of Plenty before working in London, including in litigation at a City law firm.
“People are at the heart of everything we do at Todd Walker, for our clients and for our team,” said Rosie Hill, Principal. “Simon brings a rare combination of legal understanding and experience building and supporting high-performing teams at the highest level. He is exactly the right person to help us build for the future while staying true to who we are.”
Simon said he is looking forward to joining the firm. “I’ve been fortunate to spend my career amongst teams where high performance and strong relationships go hand in hand. Todd Walker has a strong culture and a clear sense of purpose, and I’m excited to work with the Principals and the wider team to build on the fantastic reputation it has earned. I care a great deal about the region and its people, and I’m highly motivated to do my bit to help Todd Walker continue to support its clients.”
A proud Southerner, Simon is moving to the region with his wife and two daughters.