Shortly after announcing its expansion into Namibia and, subsequently, the promotion of 13 partners, leading African law firm Bowmans has outlined the appointment of a new leadership team to drive it forward.
Managing partner, Alan Keep, has been reappointed for a further term of five years. The composition of the firm’s management board has changed. Three partners have been appointed as Africa-wide department heads – Allen Leuta for Banking and Finance, Lusanda Raphulu for Dispute Resolution, and Tholinhlanhla Gcabashe for Corporate/M&A. Charles Young will be responsible for clients, John Syekei will represent East Africa, and Paras Shah will focus on the Kenyan practice and supporting the finance function across the firm. They will be joined by group CFO Helen Harding, group COO Richard Smith, and Talent partner Tammy Beira.
Keep says, ‘In setting ourselves up for future growth, we have considered our current size and African reach, and have looked to increase the representation of partners from outside South Africa and to increase collaboration across departments and borders for the benefits of our clients.’
Chairman and senior partner, Ezra Davids, says, ‘I can’t think of a better team to take us forward. During the past decade, we have come a long way on our path TO becoming a leading African international law firm. Bowmans has grown from a medium-sized South African law firm into an African powerhouse with connections across the globe. I believe that this diverse blend of highly regarded leaders is going to place us in an even stronger position to take Bowmans through the next five years.’
In addition, Dr Wilbert Kapinga who helped establish Bowmans’ presence in Tanzania seven years ago, has moved into the role of senior partner making way for Michael Strain to become managing partner.
Davids says, ‘Wilbert has done a stellar job in growing our practice in Tanzania – in fact, Bowmans was recently named Chambers Law Firm of the Year in that country. We thank him for his service thus far and look forward to much more from him in his new role. Congratulations also to Michael on his promotion. We are very well placed to do well in Tanzania and are excited about the prospects that this jurisdiction offers to us.’
Keep concludes, ‘I would like to thank those who have worked very hard over the past 10 years to help us create the remarkable firm that we have today. Looking ahead, we have a clear vision of what we are trying to achieve, and I’m excited to build on the very solid foundation that we have established together to take Bowmans to the next level.'