AKD has elected a new board. Carlos Pita Cao and Jan Kromhout have joined the board, with Carlos succeeding Erwin Rademakers as the firm's managing partner. Together with current board members Marc Wintgens and Mark Kater, Carlos and Jan make up the new board of AKD.

Carlos Pita Cao has successfully headed AKD's Corporate M&A practice for many years. He advises Dutch and international clients on mergers and acquisitions and issues of corporate law. Having joined AKD in 2003, Carlos has been a partner in the firm since 2008.

Jan Kromhout is an experienced transactional lawyer and has been with AKD since 2007. He has a proven track record when it comes to international contracts connected with the offshore oil and gas and shipping industries. These past few years, Jan has led AKD's Transport & Trade practice group.

Marc Wintgens: "My congratulations to Carlos and Jan on their appointment. They are leading lawyers in their areas of expertise and have presented a sound view on the opportunities and challenges ahead of the firm. I very much look forward to working together with them and Mark Kater."

Carlos Pita Cao: "AKD has gone through many changes in recent years and achieved excellent results under Erwin's leadership. Between them, Erwin, Marc and Mark did a wonderful job. It's been their focus on multidisciplinary collaboration between our practice groups that enables us to provide our clients with even better service. Our international footprint has grown and AKD is a genuine Benelux firm now. We have seen fantastic growth, strengthened our ties with existing clients, forged strong ties with new clients and made forays into new markets. I am truly grateful for the confidence that the firm's partners have placed in Jan and myself. I can hardly wait to assume my new role together with Jan, Marc and Mark and continue on the strategic course that AKD has set for itself."

Jan Kromhout is also looking forward to taking up the baton: "As the firm's new board, we are about to enter a new stage in AKD's existence. I am resolute that going forward we will build on and progress from AKD's strong Benelux foothold. I eagerly anticipate working together with Carlos, Marc and Mark, and with all our top-notch colleagues in legal, notarial, tax and support, in strengthening our position."

Mark Kater: "Both Carlos and Jan are first-class lawyers who have earned and enjoy respect and recognition, not just in our firm but also in the markets they serve. In addition, they have the vision, leadership experience and dedication that are needed to lead our firm. I join my colleagues in actively anticipating working together with them and with Marc in realising the ambitions we have set for AKD."