PROFILE WEBBER WENTZEL
First woman of colour to lead
Webber Wentzel
SAFIYYA PATEL
Safiyya Patel has been appointed as the new Managing Partner of Webber Wentzel, effective 1 March 2025, making history as the first woman of colour to lead the firm.
With nearly 30 years of experience at the firm, Patel brings a wealth of leadership and expertise to the role. She has been instrumental in the firm’ s success in mergers and acquisitions, as well as Black Economic Empowerment( BEE) transactions, and has earned recognition in IFLR1000 ' s Women Leaders Guide since 2018. Patel succeeds Sally Hutton, who steps down after a transformative decade at the firm.
“ Being entrusted with the role of Managing Partner at Webber Wentzel is a profound honour," says Patel on her appointment as Managing Partner Elect.“ I decided to run for the position with the hope that, after nearly 28 years in the legal profession, I would have the opportunity to shape and positively impact the future of the very organisation where I began my journey as a lawyer.
“ Sally has set a high standard and an incredible example of what it means to lead with an unwavering focus on excellence and an enduring commitment to our firm and its clients. It will be my purpose to build on the firm ' s strong foundation and shape a dynamic and progressive law firm for the future – one where everyone has equal opportunities to excel and realise their full potential.”
Christo Els, Senior Partner, commended Hutton’ s extraordinary contribution to the firm and described Patel as an experienced leader.“ As we enter this new leadership chapter, we are fortunate to have an experienced leader in Safiyya. Over the past 10 years at the firm, she has held various important leadership roles, including serving on our Board and Executive Committee, and most notably, heading our market-leading Corporate Business Unit. I am confident that her vision and collaborative leadership style will ensure the firm continues to build on its well-established foundation.”
Furthermore, Gareth Driver, Senior Partner Elect, says Patel’ s leadership marks a pivotal moment in both the firm’ s journey and the broader legal sector.“ Safiyya’ s appointment as Managing Partner represents a significant milestone in the transformation of our firm and the broader legal services sector. I am confident that Safiyya’ s purpose-driven and people-centred approach will make a major contribution to shaping a future for Webber Wentzel that is as bright as its past. I look forward to working closely with Safiyya to continue building on the legacy of Webber Wentzel.”
It will be my purpose to build on the firm ' s strong foundation and shape a dynamic and progressive law firm for the future …”
Patel specialises in general commercial law, mergers and acquisitions and transactions related to Black Economic Empowerment( BEE). She has advised on transactions relating to joint ventures, company formations and reorganisations and has worked across the mining, financial, and construction sectors. Her expertise also extends to media, telecommunications, broadcasting and information technology law. Patel has represented numerous international clients, local enterprises and various state-owned enterprises.
With Patel at the helm, Webber Wentzel is poised for a bright future, building on its strong legacy and pushing towards new heights of excellence and innovation. ■
108 SA PROFILE www. saprofilemagazine. co. za