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.
UPDATE: Katherine Whitehead has been awarded the title of In-House Counsel of the Year at the prestigious Law Society gala event, recognizing her pivotal role in steering Crown Perth through a tumultuous period of regulatory scrutiny and operational overhaul. This urgent recognition comes as the casino navigates one of its most challenging eras, marked by significant past controversies regarding governance and anti-money laundering practices.
In her position as general counsel, Whitehead inherited a struggling business facing intense scrutiny. Under her leadership from 2024 to 2025, Crown Perth successfully revamped its legal and board governance systems, ultimately securing its casino licence without any conditions. This monumental turnaround is credited to Whitehead’s strategic vision and dedication, restoring trust in the organization and setting the stage for a revitalized future.
“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,” Whitehead stated in an official comment to The West. Her emphasis on teamwork highlights the collective effort behind the casino’s transformation. “This win isn’t just for me – it’s recognition of years of efforts by multiple teams to transform our business,” she added.
The Law Society award celebrates exceptional legal professionals within corporate environments, recognizing leadership, innovation, and impact on their organizations. Whitehead triumphed over notable contenders, including Sharan Gill of Law Mutual and Angelyn Seen of Yara Australia, further underscoring her significant contributions to the field.
The announcement was made on Friday night during the gala, where Rob Guthrie was also honored as WA Lawyer of the Year for his extensive contributions to workers’ compensation reform in Western Australia, including the authorship of over 100 academic papers.
As Crown Perth moves forward, the focus will remain on implementing the changes initiated under Whitehead’s guidance, ensuring compliance and promoting a culture of integrity within the organization. Stakeholders and industry observers are keenly watching how these developments will unfold in the coming months, as the casino aims to rebuild its reputation and enhance operational standards.
This urgent recognition of Katherine Whitehead’s leadership not only highlights her personal achievements but also reflects the resilience and commitment of the entire team at Crown Perth. As the casino embarks on this new chapter, the industry will be closely monitoring its progress and adherence to regulatory frameworks.
