Katherine Whitehead has been recognised as the Law Society In-House Counsel of the Year for her role in steering Crown Perth through one of the most challenging periods in its history.
BREAKING: Katherine Whitehead has just been awarded the prestigious title of In-House Counsel of the Year by the Law Society, acknowledging her pivotal role in steering Crown Perth through an unprecedented period of regulatory scrutiny and internal challenges. This recognition comes as the casino faces renewed confidence after a comprehensive legal and governance overhaul.
Taking the reins as general counsel amid significant scrutiny, Ms. Whitehead inherited a casino grappling with serious allegations regarding its anti-money laundering systems and governance structures. Under her leadership during 2024-25, Crown Perth successfully navigated these treacherous waters, restoring its operational license without conditions—a remarkable feat in the current regulatory climate.
“I am so grateful for this award; it represents recognition not just for myself but for the team of people I work with at Crown Perth,” Ms. Whitehead stated during the Law Society gala event held on Friday night. Her emphasis on teamwork highlights the collective effort that was essential in transforming the casino’s reputation and operations.
The award not only celebrates Ms. Whitehead’s individual accomplishments but also underscores the hard work of various teams at Crown Perth. “This win isn’t just for me – it’s recognition of years of efforts by multiple teams to transform our business,” she added, reflecting the collaborative spirit that has driven the casino’s recovery.
Facing stiff competition, Ms. Whitehead was up against notable peers including Sharan Gill, general counsel of Law Mutual, and Angelyn Seen from Yara Australia. The recognition of her efforts comes at a critical time for Crown Perth, which has been working diligently to restore trust with stakeholders and the public.
At the same event, Rob Guthrie was honored as WA Lawyer of the Year for his extensive contributions to workers’ compensation reform in Western Australia, having authored over 100 academic papers and founded the LexisNexis Workers Compensation WA text.
The significance of this award to Ms. Whitehead and Crown Perth cannot be overstated. With the casino industry facing intense scrutiny worldwide, her leadership and strategic foresight have laid the groundwork for a new era at Crown Perth.
As Crown Perth looks to the future, the focus remains on maintaining transparency and compliance to secure its standing in the industry. This award is a clear signal that the hard work is paying off, and stakeholders can expect continued progress and innovation from the casino.
Stay tuned for more updates as Crown Perth embarks on this transformative journey, with Ms. Whitehead at the helm.
