Ashurst appoints a new leader for its Morocco office
Ashurst Expands into Africa with New Casablanca Office
Global law firm Ashurst is making a significant move into Africa by opening its first office on the continent in Casablanca. The firm has appointed Ouns Lemseffer as the managing partner of the new office, marking a strategic step in Ashurst's Africa-focused strategy.
Lemseffer, who previously served as a partner at Clifford Chance, brings over 15 years of legal experience to Ashurst. Her expertise lies in project finance, restructuring, and financial market operations in the Francophone Africa region. During her tenure at Clifford Chance, she co-headed the Francophone Africa practice and led the capital markets, financial regulatory, and structured finance department.
The appointment of Lemseffer is seen as the next step in the growth of Ashurst's Africa practice. Lee McDonald, Ashurst's projects and energy transition global head, considers this move as a significant milestone, especially given Lemseffer's notable experience in handling M&A and private equity matters in the North and West African energy and infrastructure sectors.
Morocco, and Casablanca in particular, serves as the key hub for international companies doing business in Africa. The country's buoyant renewable energy industry and emerging hydrogen market, significant infrastructure investment, and relatively mature securitization market present considerable business opportunities. Ashurst's new Casablanca office is expected to contribute to the firm's growth and market presence in Africa.
Lemseffer aims to work with her colleagues across Paris, London, and the Middle East to set up a presence in Morocco and further develop Ashurst's offering in the Francophone Africa region. She believes Ashurst is the perfect platform for her to lead the Morocco business due to its well-integrated global Africa group and longstanding reputation in the region, especially in energy and infrastructure.
The new Casablanca office launch is in preparation for Ashurst's expansion in Africa. Lemseffer's experience in capital markets, financial regulatory, and structured finance will be valuable for Ashurst's African operations. Her leadership role in Francophone Africa practice at Clifford Chance demonstrates her expertise in the region, and she aims to leverage this experience to help Ashurst capitalize on the opportunities in the African market.
With the addition of Lemseffer, Ashurst broadens its capabilities for existing clients and opens new opportunities. The firm's new Casablanca office is expected to play a pivotal role in Ashurst's growth and expansion in Africa.
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