Dentons Announces Mohamed Zaanouni As New Africa Region CEO

Global Law Firm Dentons has announced that Mohamed Zaanouni will succeed Noor Kapdi as CEO for its Africa Region. Zaanouni will assume the role on January 1, 2025. In September 2024, Dentons began the process for a transition in leadership following Kapdi’s decision to step down at the end of the current term from a role he has held since 2017. 

Kapdi will remain at Dentons as Partner and non-executive Chairman of the Africa Region Board. Dentons has continued to expand across Africa to meet the evolving needs of business, government and international institutions across the continent. In October, Dentons announced it was expanding in four new markets – Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia and Senegal – which will launch in 2025. Zaanouni will continue to lead and drive further growth within the region. While serving as Africa CEO, Noor Kapdi was responsible for developing and implementing Dentons' strategy in 17 countries. He is a Founding Partner of KapdiTwala – which combined with Dentons in 2012 – and also served as the Chairperson of Dentons in South Africa. 

He is a Co-Chair of the Firm’s Global ESG Practice Leadership Team and a member of the Global Banking and Finance, Global Corporate and Global Energy, Infrastructure and Project Finance practice groups. Mohamed is Managing Partner at Dentons Zaanouni which combined with Dentons in 2022 and is one of the leading law firms in North Africa. He is involved in the acquisition and transfer of companies, equity investments, investments or partnerships for foreign investors wishing to set up and/or develop their investments 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 Mohamed Zaanouni. 

Outgoing Dentons Africa Region CEO, Noor Kapdi comments, “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.” The election of Mohamed Zaanouni as Africa CEO falls on the heels of the recent appointment of Kate Barton as Dentons’ new Global CEO. Commenting on the announcement, Kate said, “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.”