Cozen O'Connor Announces New CEO

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cozen O’Connor announced today the final phase of its restructuring and succession plan, naming Thomas A. “Tad” Decker as President & Chief Executive Officer of the newly reorganized firm, effective August 9, 2007. This transition marks the first time the role of CEO will be held by someone other than firm founders Stephen A. Cozen or Patrick J. O’Connor. The firm also recently announced changes to its governance structure that created a Board of Directors and shifted controlling decision-making power to shareholders.

“I am honored to be asked to lead this extraordinary firm”

Decker previously served as managing partner of Cozen O'Connor for four years before accepting Governor Edward G. Rendell’s appointment as Chairman of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board in October of 2004. Steve Cozen and Patrick O’Connor will remain active in the firm’s practice and policymaking, serving as chairman and vice-chairman, respectively.

“I can think of no one more suited to lead our firm into the future than Tad,” said Cozen. “He knows our people, our culture, our special skills, and our opportunities better than anyone; and he has the leadership qualities necessary to energize the firm. I am excited over the prospect of working with him in the years to come."

“I have known Tad for over 35 years,” added O’Connor. “We started our legal careers together at another law firm. I was delighted when Tad joined Cozen O’Connor as its Managing Partner, and I supported his decision to leave us when he was appointed by Governor Rendell to chair the Gaming Commission for the Commonwealth. He did an excellent job launching and growing a multi-billion dollar industry for the state. I know he will continue to use his wisdom, vision and leadership abilities to make our firm even stronger in the years to come.”

A nationally-known and respected corporate attorney, Decker sits on the boards of Internet Capital Group, the YMCA, The Philadelphia Zoo and the Gesu School. He is a former chair of the Philadelphia Municipal Authority and a former board member of the Delaware River Port Authority, PATCO and Pierce Leahy Corporation. Prior to joining Cozen O'Connor, Decker held senior executive positions for a number of major corporations, including Asbury Automotive Group and Unisource Worldwide Inc., where he was Executive Vice President and General Counsel; and Saint-Gobain Corp., where he was Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel. He also held the position of chairman of the Committee of Corporate General Counsels of the American Bar Association’s Section of Business Law, and was appointed chair of the Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners by the State Supreme Court.

“I am honored to be asked to lead this extraordinary firm,” said Decker. “I have the highest regard for both Steve Cozen and Pat O’Connor and for the firm they have built over the past 40 years. I look forward to returning and to working together with them and the new board of directors.”

Founded in 1968, Cozen O’Connor is ranked among the 100 largest law firms in the United States, serving business, insurance and private clients. Cozen O’Connor is a full-service firm with 500 attorneys practicing in 23 offices. The firm has 21 offices located across the United States and international offices in London and Toronto.

Editor’s Note:

Tad Decker is a resident of Gladwyne, Pa.

Education:

University of Pennsylvania, B.A., 1968

University of Virginia School of Law, J.D., 1971

Memberships:

ABA’s Committee on Negotiated Acquisitions; Business Council, University of Virginia School of Law; member of the board of directors of Internet Capital Group (Nasdaq:ICGE); member of the board of directors of the YMCA of Philadelphia and Vicinity; member of the board of directors of the Philadelphia Zoo; member of the board of trustees of the Gesu School; former member of the Board of Trustees of the Philadelphia Bar Association; former chairman of the Philadelphia Municipal Authority; former board member of the DRPA, PATCO and Pierce Leahy Corporation. Member of American, Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Bar Associations.