ATLANTA (July 21, 2022) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (SGR) is pleased to announce that Robert A. Rees, Jr. has joined the Firm as chief human resources officer (CHRO). In this role, he oversees the Human Resources (HR) Department, its practices, and operations, including strategic business advisory to firm management, staff performance and compensation management, compliance and employee relations, and management of the Firm’s retirement savings plan and insurance programs. Most recently, Mr. Rees led global human resources operations for King & Spalding.
“We are thrilled to welcome Robert as our new head of HR,” said Stephen M. Forte, SGR’s chairman and managing partner. “He is a proven leader with the experience and vision to lead SGR’s HR Department during a transformative time in the legal industry. We look forward to his contributions and leadership.”
With a more than 25-year progressive career in HR leadership, Mr. Rees’ experience in global HR operations includes total rewards programs, global mobility, scalability, and law firm growth. He has successfully managed new office openings, led the development and execution of a variety of HR programs, implemented technology and system enhancements, facilitated employee onboarding for mergers and acquisitions, and designed and administered benefits and compensation programs.
Jeff Bash, SGR’s chief operating officer added, “Robert has an impressive background in HR leadership across multiple industries and will be an influential part of advancing the Firm’s key business initiatives and plans for growth.”
Mr. Rees holds the Senior Certified Professional (SCP) designation with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and he is a member of the International Association for Human Resource Information Management (IHRIM). He has served on the Executive MBA Alumni Board for Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business where he spearheaded leadership development programs and was also vice president of the HR professional member group, the Liquid Pipeline Roundtable. Mr. Rees is a graduate of Georgia Southern University and earned his MBA from the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University.
About Smith Gambrell Russell
SGR is a full service, international law firm that advises regional, national and global businesses on a wide range of legal matters. The Firm’s 270 attorneys provide legal counsel in more than 45 specialized practice areas, including corporate transactions, litigation, intellectual property, aviation, banking, real estate, construction, employment law, and employee benefits and executive compensation. Founded in 1893, SGR has offices in Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, Chicago, Jacksonville, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Southampton, and Washington, D.C.