Hogan Lovells is delighted to announce the appointment of Nkonzo Hlatshwayo as the new Chairperson of its South African practice, effective as of 1 October.
Traditionally the South African legal industry appoints Chairs rather than Office Managing Partners. The firm's South African practice serves a wide range of public and private companies, financial institutions, government agencies, regulatory authorities, private equity firms and business leaders.
The South African practice compromises of offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town, and has over 430 people, 130 lawyers, including 51 partners, and one of two Hogan Lovells Global Business Service Centres.
In his three years with the firm, Nkonzo has been recognised for his in-depth knowledge and understanding of competition law in South Africa and southern Africa. Focusing on general competition work (including transactional/M&A), he represents parties in merger proceedings, complaint proceedings, intervention applications, leniency applications and cross-border proceedings. He also advises on competition law compliance and audits.
Previously, he served as a director in the Competition Board under the Department of Trade and Industry and later became the founding head of the Mergers & Acquisitions Division of the Competition Commission. He served as Deputy Commissioner for two years and recently he served as chairman of the Swaziland Competition Commission for 3½ years. He was also a lecturer in law for a number of years, teaching company law, constitutional law and the law of property, publishing a number of academic articles and co-authoring a book on human rights.
Nkonzo takes over as Chairperson from Lavery Modise, whose term has come to an end. Modise has been an inspirational and dedicated leader through many changes and challenges in Johannesburg, including transitioning the office through expansion of its legal and business services functions
Speaking about his new role, Nkonzo said: "It is a great honour and privilege to be chosen to lead such an accomplished group of lawyers and support professionals. Our presence in South Africa and throughout the continent is growing, and playing a critical role in African development. Africa’s future is bright. I am grateful for Lavery’s years of leadership, and I look forward to continuing his great work.”
To find out more about the Hogan Lovells South Africa office, visit the firm's website.