Firm appoints London-based Joz Coetzer and Marc Naidoo to lead the next phase of global growth for international transactions and emerging markets.
Leading commercial law firm Hill Dickinson has strengthened and expanded its international finance practice, with the appointment of widely recognised Joz Coetzer and Marc Naidoo to lead the UK launch of its international finance team.
Based in the firm’s London office, Joz and Marc bring extensive expertise in banking, finance and emerging markets, as the firm looks to target additional opportunities in Asia, Africa and other international markets.
The international finance practice has developed significantly since 2018, with existing teams focused on cross-border marine and asset finance transactions. Since then, the practice has evolved with more than 15 partners and 30 lawyers operating across six offices to deliver significant growth across the UK, Europe and Asia. The addition of Joz and Marc will leverage Hill Dickinson's existing strengths in banking, finance, corporate, M&A, construction, tax, insolvency, litigation and planning - linking to the firm's international reach and offices in Hong Kong, Singapore, Cyprus and Greece.
The strategic appointments will bolster the firm’s support for mid- to top-tier transactions in high-growth sectors, including natural resources, telecommunications, infrastructure and technology. Joz and Marc, who have previously led market-leading debt and equity transactions at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, Bowmans and White & Case, will add further capability to the firm’s diversified offering across its international network and will support the firm’s growing international reach.
Joz, formerly a partner at Fasken in London and at White & Case’s global project development and finance group in London and South Africa, has a proven track record in advising domestic and international banks, debt and equity investors, international investment funds, financiers and state-owned enterprises on complex transactions across emerging markets.
Marc, previously a partner at Howard Kennedy and McGuireWoods, and with secondment experience at Standard Chartered Bank and the African Development Bank, specialises in debt finance, project finance and sustainable finance. He is a listed advisor to the United Nations, Commonwealth and European Commissions, and is recognised as a Legal 500 Green Ambassador.
Fiona Parry, Head of Business Services at Hill Dickinson, said: "We are delighted to welcome Joz and Marc as we continue to invest across the firm and our international platform, ensuring that our clients find us wherever they need us to be. Their unparalleled expertise and networks in emerging markets align perfectly with ongoing investment across our international finance teams both domestically and internationally, and will enhance our ability to deliver flexible, high-value legal services to clients navigating complex cross-border transactions."
Hill Dickinson has developed a strong international finance capability over recent years and I am excited to lead, with Marc, the next phase of growth for the international finance practice.Joz Coetzer
Co-Head of International Finance at Hill Dickinson
Joz Coetzer, Co-Head of International Finance at Hill Dickinson, said: "Hill Dickinson has developed a strong international finance capability over recent years and I am excited to lead, with Marc, the next phase of growth for the international finance practice. With the firm's UK headquarters and international presence in markets including Hong Kong and Singapore, we are well-positioned to continue supporting our clients' investments in natural resources, infrastructure and beyond, as we grow the team and expand the firm’s cross-border expertise and offering."
Marc Naidoo, Co-Head of International Finance at Hill Dickinson, added: "This is a tremendous opportunity to further integrate sustainable and developmental finance. Hill Dickinson provides an exciting, dynamic and forward-looking platform as we look to secure new opportunities in Asia, Africa and emerging markets, while cross-selling the firm's extensive broader capabilities. We are also joining at a really exciting point for the firm as it continues to grow and invest in its brand and international network."
The appointments follow an eighth consecutive year of growth at Hill Dickinson and continues the expansion of its London team, as part of a sustained investment programme across the business - including a refreshed brand. The firm’s international network and business services group, which includes its corporate and banking teams, has contributed significantly to Hill Dickinson’s financial performance in recent years.
Over the past year, Hill Dickinson has also increased its international visibility, following a landmark stadium naming rights deal with Everton FC for the new 52,000+ seat Hill Dickinson Stadium at Liverpool’s Bramley-Moore Dock.