Martin Kavanagh Takes The Helm As Chair Of Herbert Smith Freehills' Africa Group
Martin Kavanagh Takes The Helm As Chair Of Herbert Smith Freehills' Africa Group
Partner Martin Kavanagh, previously co-head of Herbert Smith Freehills’ Africa Group, has been appointed as chair, while partners Jean Meijer and Paul Morton will serve as the group’s new co-heads. Their new roles took effect on July 1, 2024. They succeed former chair Peter Leon and former co-head Nina Bowyer, both of whom will continue to be integral members of the Africa Group.
Based in London, Kavanagh is an expert in energy transition and infrastructure finance and serves as the firm’s Regional Head of Practice for Projects in the UK, US, Middle East, and Africa. He has extensive experience in project finance and development across various sectors, including oil and gas, power, transport, hydroelectric, renewable energy, and mining. A significant portion of Kavanagh’s work focuses on Africa, particularly in Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, and Malawi, as well as in emerging markets like India and Nepal.
Commenting on his appointment, Kavanagh noted, “Organisations can face many legal complexities in Africa but it is an exciting place to do business and can be hugely rewarding. We have a deep track record advising on matters in Africa for over 40 years and are constantly exploring innovative ideas and different approaches for clients. The new Africa Group leadership structure brings together the three key offices of our Africa practice – Johannesburg, London and Paris – and will enable us to really draw on expertise from across our global network and from our strong relationships with local counsel to continue offering the best solutions to clients.”
Jean Meijer, a competition partner with 30 years of experience in Africa, has been the Managing Partner of the Johannesburg office since May 2022. Recognized as one of the “Top 100 Women in Antitrust” and a leading competition lawyer in various legal directories, Meijer advises major global companies in the mining, technology, media, telecommunications, and consumer sectors, as well as some of Africa's largest financial institutions.
Paul Morton brings over 20 years of experience working on Africa-related matters. Having previously worked in the firm’s Johannesburg office, he is now based in Paris. His pan-African practice supports clients across both Anglophone and Francophone Africa on significant regional matters. Morton is increasingly focused on Africa's unique role in the energy transition, particularly as a key source of critical minerals and as a focal point for investment in green and transitional energy sources.
Herbert Smith Freehills’ Africa Group consists of approximately 200 partners from its global network of offices, including a 50-lawyer Johannesburg office that opened in 2015.
