National real estate and advisory firm, LAWD, has appointed well-regarded property expert and lawyer, Grant Dearlove, as its new Independent Chair and Non-Executive Board Director.
Mr Dearlove brings decades of experience across property, law and governance to the role.
He replaces Rob Blain, another highly respected property sector leader, who retired late last year, after three years at the helm of LAWD’s Board of Directors.
Based in Brisbane, Mr Dearlove is a company director, lawyer and corporate advisor, with more than 30 years’ experience in professional services.
Mr Dearlove holds Chair appointments with award-winning architects, Cottee Parker, and leading survey, town planning and spatial services group, Bennett+Bennett.
Outside of property, his governance career is extensive, ranging from ASX-listed companies to unlisted public, private and NFP businesses.
Mr Dearlove has been a practising solicitor at the High Court of Australia for 33 years and has held equity in law firms nationally and in Queensland.
LAWD Chief Executive, Enda Foley, said the appointment marked an exciting time for the business as it continued its trajectory of growth.
“We are thrilled to welcome Grant to lead our Board,” Mr Foley said.
“His deep experience in property, combined with his extensive professional services background and legal expertise, makes him the ideal Chair as LAWD enters its next phase of growth.
“We sincerely thank Rob for his significant contributions over the past three years and wish him every success in the future.”
Mr Dearlove has actively followed LAWD’s progress since its inception more than five years ago and said he was eager to add value to the business in his new role.
“I very much look forward to working with the LAWD Board directors and management team to deliver for all shareholders, staff and clients,” Mr Dearlove said.
“I have followed the growth of LAWD since its start up in 2020 and aim to support is continued success into the future.”
Mr Dearlove commenced his appointment with LAWD on 1 January 2026. His experience is complemented by a Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws, Master of Business Administration, a Graduate Diploma in Applied Corporate Governance and is a Graduate of the Institute of Company Directors. He is a Life Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and has studied leadership of professional service organisations at Harvard University. Mr Dearlove is also a Notary Public.
