LawFuel Power List 2025
No. 10
Pilkington rode the Commerce Act reform wave straight into the Power List. As Russell McVeagh’s competition practice leader, he’s authored extensive commentary on the biggest regulatory overhaul in 20+ years: merger control tightening, predatory pricing tests, call-in powers for “creeping acquisitions.”
Boardrooms across New Zealand now need competition clearance advice the way they once needed tax structuring—and Pilkington’s the name they’re briefing. His expertise spans cartel enforcement, resale price maintenance, and the Commerce Commission’s expanded injunction tools.
As regulatory frameworks shift from permissive to precautionary, Pilkington’s influence grows. He enters at No. 11 because corporate compliance strategies for 2026 will be written in his firm notes, interpreted in his client meetings, and tested in his Commission negotiations.
