Rhian Deakin
About Rhian Deakin
Rhian Deakin serves as General Counsel and Senior Partner at Foster + Partners, where she leads a team focused on risk management in AI technologies and promotes diversity and inclusion. She has a strong legal background with degrees from the University of Cambridge and Nottingham Law School, and has held various legal positions over her career.
Current Role at Foster and Partners
Rhian Deakin serves as General Counsel and Senior Partner at Foster + Partners, a position she has held since 2022. In this role, she leads a team of legal professionals, focusing on providing pragmatic and efficient solutions that support the studio's creative environment. Her responsibilities include offering thought leadership on risk management related to the adoption of AI technologies, construction 4.0, and ESG compliance.
Education and Expertise
Rhian Deakin studied at the University of Cambridge, where she earned a Master of Arts with honors in Law. She furthered her education at Nottingham Law School, completing the Legal Practice Course and achieving a Diploma. Her expertise includes optimizing international corporate structures and enhancing efficiency in legal and commercial workflows.
Background in Law
Before her current role, Rhian Deakin worked at Foster + Partners from 2010 to 2022 as General Counsel and Partner. She also held associate positions at Allen & Overy from 2003 to 2007 and at Travers Smith from 2007 to 2010. This extensive background in law has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of legal frameworks and practices.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
Rhian Deakin is actively involved in promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace. She serves as the Parents + Carers Champion on the Diversity + Inclusion Committee at Foster + Partners, where she emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture that values diverse perspectives and experiences.
Governance Role at Hayes School
In addition to her role at Foster + Partners, Rhian Deakin has been a Trust Appointed Governor at Hayes School in Bromley, England, since 2022. In this capacity, she contributes to the governance and strategic direction of the school, further demonstrating her commitment to community engagement and educational development.