Leading East Midlands law firm Rothera Bray is delighted to announce that its Chief Executive Officer, Christina Yardley, was honoured as CEO of the Year at the East Midlands Business of the Year Awards.
The awards, led by TheBusinessDesk.com, celebrated companies across the region that are innovating, disrupting and thriving. Last year, Christina also received two accolades at the East Midlands Leadership Awards, for Company Leader (101+ employees) and Leader of the Year.
While these awards recognise Christina’s exceptional leadership, Christina credits these achievements to the collaborative and supportive culture that defines the firm along with the incredible group of people that are Rothera Bray:
“I was genuinely moved to be nominated by the firm for this award, and it came as a complete shock to win. Rothera Bray has always had an incredible entrepreneurial culture where conventional norms can be challenged and potential is encouraged.
“When I became CEO in 2019 - with the support of an outstanding board - I was 38, had only just joined as a partner and had made no secret of wanting to be a mother. Being a CEO has its challenges. There are good days and bad days, both personally and professionally, but the support I’ve received from colleagues has made all the difference.
“These awards are a recognition of the firm as a whole: of all the truly wonderful people behind it who live our values every day. It's that which makes Rothera Bray such a special place to work. As a firm our focus remains on giving our talented people exciting opportunities and encouragement so they can reach their potential and thrive, as can our clients and wider community.”
Under Christina’s guidance, Rothera Bray has tripled in size in the last three years, completing four strategic mergers that expanded its presence into Derby, Leicester, and Leicestershire.
This growth has been enhanced by the introduction of new niche specialisms such as Court of Protection, insolvency, professional negligence, licensing, clinical negligence, and equine law. Additionally, the firm’s conversion to ABS status in October 2024 and the promotion of non-lawyer managers to director roles have broadened leadership expertise and enhanced decision-making.
Christina also champions community involvement, ensuring Rothera Bray continues to make a positive impact beyond the legal sector. This commitment is exemplified by the firm’s Deeds That Make a Difference campaign, launched in December 2024, which reaffirms its pledge to be a force for good in the community, for clients, and within the workplace.
Learn more about Rothera Bray’s services and recent achievements at: https://rotherabray.co.uk/