United States law firm appoints new Africa chief

United States law firm appoints new Africa chief

Baker McKenzie refreshes its leadership with Michael Foundethakis as chairman

Chigago-based law firm Baker McKenzie has appointed the Paris-based global projects head Michael Foundethakis as chairman of the firm's Africa Steering Committee. The move comes after the controversy over the management of its Johannesburg office.

Foundethakis will be in charge of shaping and implementing Bakers' Africa strategy. The firm has been operating in Africa for over 30 years. It currently has three regional bases in Egypt, Morocco and Johannesburg.

The firm's Europe, the Middle East and Africa chairman Esteban Raventos said the appointment reflected the firm's "strategic vision of being the global law firm of choice for our clients and our people in Africa."

"We are excited to be there with our clients and to contribute to the realization of that potential for tremendous growth," he added.

Foundethakis remarked, "There are considerable opportunities across the continent, but not without responsibility. As well as being bankable and yielding attractive returns, it is becoming increasingly imperative that investment should be sustainable and also provide ancillary benefits to local economies. Simply put, it should be net positive for the region."

Foundethakis replaced banking, finance and restructuring specialist Wildu du Plessis, who left the firm recently. Johannesburg managing partner Morné Van der Merwe and director of Africa operations Bruce Shubach had joined Plessis to set up a boutique law firm.

The trio's departure came shortly after the firm had announced the implementation of a 'three-step plan' to address management issues in Johannesburg. This included a change in leadership and measures to make it easier for the staff to raise confidential concerns about their treatment.

Foundethakis has been with the firm for over two decades. He led its banking and finance practice in Paris, heading the firm's global projects, trade and export finance group. A seasoned specialist, he focuses his practice on emerging markets with over 25 years of experience in handling matters in Sub-Saharan Africa.