Dentons Elevates Mohamed Zaanouni To CEO Of Africa Region As Part Of Leadership Transition

Dentons Elevates Mohamed Zaanouni to CEO of Africa Region as Part of Leadership Transition

Dentons has announced that Mohamed Zaanouni will succeed Noor Kapdi as CEO for its Africa Region, effective January 1, 2025. The transition follows Kapdi's decision to step down from the role, which he has held since 2017. Kapdi will remain at Dentons as a Partner and non-executive Chairman of the Africa Region Board.

The leadership change comes as Dentons continues to expand across Africa, meeting the evolving needs of businesses, governments, and international institutions across the continent. In October 2024, Dentons revealed plans to expand into four new markets – Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Senegal – which are set to launch in 2025. Zaanouni will continue to drive growth and development in the region. Kapdi, during his tenure as Africa CEO, played a key role in shaping Dentons’ strategy across 17 countries. He is a Founding Partner of KapdiTwala, which merged with Dentons in 2012, and has also served as Chairperson of Dentons in South Africa. Kapdi remains an influential figure within the firm, serving as Co-Chair of Dentons' Global ESG Practice Leadership Team and contributing to several other global practice groups.

Mohamed Zaanouni, currently Managing Partner at Dentons Zaanouni, which combined with Dentons in 2022, is one of North Africa's leading law firms. Zaanouni is known for his work in mergers, acquisitions, and foreign investments, particularly in Tunisia. “I am looking forward to leading the Africa Region and am deeply appreciative of Noor’s legacy. Clients are seeking the distinctive traits that Dentons provides: being uniquely global and deeply local. I am eager to see the region continue to thrive and grow to span the continent’s economic hubs and niche markets,” commented Zaanouni.

Outgoing Africa CEO Noor Kapdi commented, “Mohamed has been an asset to the Firm since he joined in 2022 and is focused on serving our clients in Africa and beyond. He is a strong leader who understands client needs and his experience will greatly benefit the Africa Region.”

Kate Barton, Dentons' newly appointed Global CEO, also welcomed Zaanouni's appointment, saying, “In the short time I have known Mohamed, I have found him to show exceptional leadership and thoughtfulness. I congratulate him on his election as Africa Region CEO and look forward to working closely with him and our other regional CEOs as we continue to elevate the Dentons brand and our client services across the globe.”