Gule, an employment and labour partner based in Johannesburg, takes over from Adrian Ahern, whose term as global chairman expired by rotation on 30 April 2014. Ahern continues as chairman of Norton Rose Fulbright in Australia and as a vice-chairman of Norton Rose Fulbright globally.
"The appointment of Sbu Gule to the role of global chairman is a significant milestone for Norton Rose Fulbright and highlights the importance of the African region to the development of our global business," Peter Martyr, global chief executive at Norton Rose Fulbright, said. "His knowledge of the South African and wider African markets will be invaluable as we look to expand across the continent. I would like to thank his predecessor, Adrian Ahern, who has worked tirelessly in the development of global client relations."
"This is a very exciting opportunity and I am honoured to be the first South African appointed to the global chairman role," Gule said. "My focus will be on our clients and ensuring we deliver them the highest quality legal advice and industry expertise, wherever they are working with us around the globe. I will also play an active role in the Global Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council, particularly in developing our under-privileged lawyers."
