One of Australia’s leading Intellectual Property Law Firms, Wrays, has today announced the appointment of a new CEO, Paula Adamson. Paula joins Wrays from IP Australia where she was most recently the Deputy Director General (Customer Services Division) as well as the Commissioner of Patents and Registrar of Trade Marks, Designs and Plant Breeders’ Rights.
The high-profile appointment is a major coup for Wrays with Paula bringing a high-profile reputation, extensive knowledge of Australia’s IP systems and results as a successful strategic leader.
Paula has previously worked in both the private and public sectors with Government Departments including Defence and Prime Minister and Cabinet, and led numerous consulting teams for multinational firms including EY, RSM and Fujitsu.
Wrays Chairman Gary Cox announced the appointment saying “We were looking for a pro-active executive leader who had the knowledge and experience to provide a strategic contribution and who could also be involved in building and enhancing an already strong presence in both local and overseas technology and entrepreneurial markets. Paula’s experience leading high-performing teams, her laser-focus on clients, connections to Australia’s innovation economy, along with her personal drive and integrity, assures us that she is the right person to lead Wrays. We are incredibly excited about the appointment and look forward to welcoming Paula to Wrays and introducing her to our clients.”
For Paula, the decision to join Wrays was an exciting one. Paula said “This was an incredible opportunity to lead an organisation I have long-since respected. Within the intellectual property industry Wrays is highly regarded for their range and depth of their technical expertise and their ability to service clients around the world to the highest standard. This role will allow me to continue both my passion of supporting Australia’s economic growth and innovation through protection of intangible assets and contribute to the advancement of one of Australia’s most successful IP firms.”
Paula continued “During the recruitment process I have had the opportunity to meet most of my new colleagues and I already know I am going to enjoy working at Wrays. Thank you to Gary and the Board for this opportunity, I can’t wait to get started.”
Paula’s appointment will see Wrays’ clients benefit from her understanding of the Australian IP system and her experience identifying emerging trends and challenges across all IP Rights including geopolitical differences and changing consumer expectations.
Paula will be based in the Wrays Sydney office where she will have direct access to the growing innovation and tech markets on the East Coast. The Wrays Perth clients can expect to meet Paula on her many planned visits to the West.
Paula Adamson will officially start at Wrays in the position of CEO on Monday 11th September 2023.
About Wrays
Established in 1920, Wrays is one of the largest independent IP specialist firms in Australia – providing end to end IP solutions including IP strategy, patents, trade marks, commercial agreements and dispute resolution.