Sarah Walker-Smith

Sarah Walker-Smith is CEO of legal and professional services group, Ampa. She is chief executive at Shakespeare Martineau and is the first female, non-lawyer CEO of a UK law firm in the legal top 50. A trained chartered accountant, Sarah has worked for PwC and Deloitte, and has marketing and branding experience gained at Boots plc. Sarah looks to challenge the norm in the legal sector and wider business world. She is passionate about levelling the playing field, encouraging everyone to bring their authentic selves to work. She is interested in exploring the relationship between leadership, purpose and trust. Sarah is a governor at Nottingham Trent University, is a member of the Society of Leadership Fellows at St George’s House and is on the board of the West Midlands CBI Council. She is non-executive chair of We Are Radikl.

Latest Articles by Sarah Walker-Smith

  1. M&As

    25 March, 2024

    3 things to consider with M&As

    Cultural alignment that leads to a successful and lasting partnership requires an early focus on the differences between people.
  1. uncertainty in 2023

    23 February, 2023

    Being a CEO in 2023: how to navigate uncertainty

    Agility, planning in the shorter term and bravery will all stand chief executives in good stead in another unpredictable year.
  1. culture fit M&As

    17 October, 2022

    Culture fit: make or break for M&As

    A successful M&A—like a good marriage—needs both parties to understand and embrace their differences. Here’s how.