Bank towers are shown from Bay Street in Toronto's financial district, on Wednesday, June 16, 2010.The Canadian Press
Gino Scapillati of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is joining national business law firm Bennett Jones SLP at their Toronto office as its vice-chairman of strategy and innovation
Mr. Scapillati was at PwC for over 30 years and was admitted to partnership in 1990. Before leaving for Bennett Jones, he was vice-chairman and a member of the Global Board of the PwC Network. While there, he covered much of the same ground as Bennett Jones, working with some of Canada's biggest companies.
"We were impressed by his knowledge of the Canadian business scene, his knowledge of a service-minded approach to business and his disposition. He's a happy guy," said Bennett Jones chairman and chief executive officer, Hugh MacKinnon, in a phone interview.
Bennett Jones has nine offices and employs 380 lawyers. The firm connects Canadian ventures with foreign businesses and investors. For Mr. Scapillati, the firm's culture helped seal the deal.
"One thing I was attracted to was an aspect of their culture which is an emphasis on mutual respect and teamwork," said Mr. Scapillati. "I thrive on relationships both internal and external. "
The new role at the firm was created after the partners formed a strategy and innovation committee three years ago, Mr. MacKinnon said. "The goal was to answer 'What does a law firm look like in 2030?' We came up with a plan and then the question was 'Who could execute that plan?'"
Mr. MacKinnon said that the committee was looking for someone methodical and who could adapt to new technologies, particularly when it comes to better serving clients. They saw those qualities in Mr. Scapillati.
"It's about listening to clients and delivering a consistent experience, and I will be working with Bennett Jones' service teams," Mr. Scapillati said. "If I wasn't a market-type person, I wouldn't be this fulfilled with taking this role on."
Mr. Scapillati's new position will be effective July 1. He is also a member of the C.D. Howe Institute's National Council and the Ontario Business Advisory Council of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.