Structuring Your Holdings – Legal, Financial and Practical Considerations for Family Businesses – Nairobi

Faizal is a UK qualified lawyer and for many years has worked and advised, and is a trusted advisor to institutions, corporates and families across the Middle East, Africa and India. Faizal specialises in banking and finance and has advised corporates, family offices and families including on their international investment and holding structures.

Haanee Khan, a distinguished legal professional, is renowned for his expertise in Corporate & Commercial law, with a specialisation in the Aviation industry. With a career spanning top-tier law firms in Kenya, Haanee has advised major companies and investment houses, serving a diverse clientele including corporate entities and financial institutions. As the Founding and Managing Partner of Spencer West, Kenya, Haanee leads with vision, overseeing strategic direction and fostering excellence. His core practice areas include Corporate & Commercial law, with a focus on Aviation law. Haanee's expertise spans Corporate M&A, private equity, and mergers, with notable contributions to sectors like healthcare, communications, and banking. Renowned as an Aviation lawyer, he advises airlines, lessors, and lenders, earning accolades for his insights and contributions to industry events. Haanee's commitment to excellence and client-centric service cements his reputation as a trusted advisor.

Teodosia is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and specialises in corporate, commercial and aviation law and for the last 20 years worked as an in-house counsel with Kenya Airways (17 years) and Qatar Airways (3 years). She has considerable experience in general Commercial/Corporate law and has supported and advised on many complex legal transactions, including aircraft Lease financing, operating leases, KCAA, KAA, CMA/NSE Regulatory issues and compliance, commercial contracts and related Corporate work. She is a highly regarded lawyer in Kenya.

James is an Industrial Engineer by training with an MBA and is currently in the Hospitality and Manufacturing Sectors.
James is second generation in the family businesses he leads at Enashipai Resort and Spa as well as Mavoloni Granite. Prior to his current roles, he worked in various other industries such as electronic contract manufacturing, banking and telecommunications. He believes in good corporate governance, a journey their family has been on for several years. Strathmore University has been a strong pillar in that journey as have other professionals.
James has been a Rotarian for almost 20 years and has served in various capacities over the years. In January 2015 he summited Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for his local Rotary Club’s Community Projects. He also serves in the Board of the Nakuru Chapter of Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Naivasha Tourism Association.

Frank is the EY Parthenon and Eastern Africa Markets Leader responsible for leading the firm’s strategic growth in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Ethiopia in line with EY’s significant investment plan and growth ambitions. Frank has 20+ years of experience advising Investors, Shareholders, Boards, CEOs and Government Executives across Africa, UK, US, Europe and Russia on Strategy, M&A, Governance and Transformation.
Prior to joining EY, he was CEO for an M&A and Advisory firm in London and has previously held Executive roles at Deutsche Bank, UBS Investment Bank and other top global firms in UK and Africa. Frank holds Executive Management qualifications on Strategy from MIT, is a CPA and holds a Bachelor of Law degree.

Robert has over 10 years' experience in tax advisory and consulting. He holds Bachelor of Economics from the University of Nairobi. He is a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya (ICPAK member). He is currently pursuing Postgraduate Diploma in Tax Administration.
He is majorly focused on advising investors during M&A’s, tax structuring and advising investors, family businesses and high net worth individuals.
He is regular contributor of thought leadership on general, economic and tax policy issues in both print and broadcast media. He has written an article on the following topics which are related to wealth and succession planning: a) Is setting up family office viable choice for the wealthy? - Business Daily on 28th March 2022 b) Planning your estate critical in family business – Daily Nation on 7th October 2021.
He is involved in tax policy discussions with the various stakeholders including ICPAK, KRA, the National Treasury and BMO’s.

Winnie Koech is a private wealth professional, currently in charge of the Wealth and Investment Division at Stanbic Bank Kenya, a member of the Standard Bank Group. She is responsible for leading client’s investment and relationship strategy, driving superior client experience as well as banking. Over the years, Winnie has acquired sound experience in managing wealthy families and individuals. Her expertise is in Relationship management, financial planning, wealth creation and preservation. Winnie is also responsible for connecting local clients to Standard Bank’s International Offshore expertise. She is passionate about generational wealth and contributed to a thought leadership article in the Business Daily on the 15th of November 2021 themed – How Covid-19 has changed estate, succession planning.
She is a graduate of Economics from the University of Nairobi and is a holder of Chartered Institute of Investment and Securities (CISI 1) with over 15 years’ experience in Banking.

Sevyn, an English Solicitor and Jersey Advocate, is Partner in Bedell Cristin's International Private Client team, based in Jersey.
He is a private wealth specialist experienced in advising on private wealth, corporate, investment and philanthropic structures (via trusts, foundations, private trust companies and family offices). He has considerable expertise in advising on complex cross-jurisdictional trust and corporate restructuring matters, and is regularly instructed by individuals and their family offices to coordinate their offshore interests.
Sevyn has significant experience in family governance matters, succession planning in the context of family businesses and the structuring and establishment of both single and multi-family offices. He is also one of the leading experts on the use of Jersey foundations and the establishment of charitable and philanthropic structures in Jersey.

Having started his career at Robert Flemings in equity research, John has over 25 years' industry experience.
During this time he had a long career in portfolio management at London and Capital Asset Management focussing on clients from the African continent.
With a keen interest on the entrepreneurial side of his clients' activities, John decided to explore combining personal wealth management with strategic business growth, focussing on the integration of advisory, corporate and business services.
John set up the UK operation of ABAX in 2015 and following the acquisition by Ocorian in 2018 continues to focus on building the bridge for those seeking knowledge, understanding and investment opportunities available across Africa, whilst maximising enterprise and shareholder value.

Spencer West is a firm where legal excellence meets innovation. As your trusted legal partner, we redefine the legal services landscape with a commitment to excellence, innovation, and client-centric solutions. Spencer West combines tradition with forward-thinking strategies, evolving into a firm known for versatility, reliability, and an unwavering commitment to client success. Specialising in diverse legal areas, our seasoned legal professionals ensure the highest quality advice, embracing cutting-edge technologies for efficient and cost-effective solutions. Operating seamlessly across borders, Spencer West offers global reach with local impact, providing comprehensive legal support for cross-border transactions while remaining deeply connected to the unique needs of clients in diverse regions. Our core values of entrepreneurship, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence define us, ensuring a partnership founded on trust and shared success. Choose Spencer West for unmatched expertise, a client-centric approach, innovative strategies, and a seamless blend of international reach and local insight.