Pearce IP is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter O’Sullivan as Executive, Deputy CEO & Head of People and Culture.
Peter is an experienced C-suite professional services executive, and joins Pearce IP with more than 30 years’ experience spanning human resources, business, and law. He holds an MBA, BA and LLB (Hons), is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), and has completed the Harvard Business School Global Executive Leadership Program.
Peter is Deputy CEO across ANZ and will oversee finance, operations, marketing, and human resources. He will work closely with leadership and teams across the firm to support Pearce IP’s continued growth and strategic objectives.
Most recently, Peter spent 14 years at BDO, where, as Chief People Officer he played a significant role in people, culture, leadership, and organisational strategy during a period of substantial and sustained business growth. His contribution as an executive leader at BDO was recognised with his appointment to the firm’s Partnership in 2024.
Peter began his career as a commercial litigator at major law firm Blake Dawson Waldron (now Ashurst), before transitioning into senior human resources and executive leadership roles. His career has included senior human resources roles at Blake Dawson Waldron, the Queensland Department of Emergency Services, SPARQ Solutions, and Bankwest, and non-executive director roles with the Queensland Doctors’ Health Programme and Metro Arts.
Founder and CEO Naomi Pearce said the appointment reflects the next stage of Pearce IP’s evolution.
“Peter is a seasoned leader with qualifications and more than 30 years’ experience in HR, law and business, and I am delighted that he has joined Pearce IP. As we approach delivery against our 2027 Vision, I am excited to work with Peter as we continue to set the standard for excellence in the provision of legal and IP services.”
Peter said:
“I’m delighted to be joining Pearce IP at such an exciting stage in its journey. The firm has built a strong culture and reputation, and I look forward to working with Naomi and the team to support continued growth and deliver on Pearce IP’s long-term vision. I believe great businesses are built on great people, and I’m excited to help strengthen the leadership, culture and operational capability that will underpin the next chapter.”
Peter’s appointment forms part of Pearce IP’s leadership investment as the firm continues delivering against its 2027 Vision and begins shaping its 2037 Vision.
About Pearce IP
Pearce IP is a privately owned/independent, specialist, life-sciences focussed, intellectual property/law firm offering lawyers and attorneys in Australia and New Zealand.
Our lawyers and attorneys specialise in pharma, biopharma, biotech, ag-tech, food-tech, med-tech, although our work is broader than these industries.
In 2025, Pearce IP was honoured by Australasian Lawyer and New Zealand Lawyer as a Top Specialist Firm, 5 Star Employer of Choice, and the “Standout Winner” for Inclusion and Culture (<100 employees). Pearce IP and its leaders are ranked in every notable legal directory including: Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, IAM Patent 1000, IAM Strategy 300, MIP IP Stars, Doyles Guide, WTR 1000, Best Lawyers, WIPR Leaders, Best Law Firms, among others.
Pearce IP is the only leading IP firm in Australia and New Zealand with a female founder, and is certified by WEConnect International as women owned.
