CDH appointed director and head of its Oil & Gas practice, Megan Rodgers, as the new managing partner of its Cape Town office, effective 1 July 2026.
Megan Rodgers, managing partner of the CDH Cape Town office
Over the course of her 11-year tenure with the firm, CDH says Rodgers has built one of the region’s foremost Oil & Gas practices, which she will continue to lead. This will allow her to maintain her close involvement with clients and the complex cross-border matters for which she is recognised.
Rodger's explains her new role "involves translating the firm’s strategic direction into meaningful priorities for the office, taking into account the distinctive and highly diversified Western Cape economy, while supporting and developing our people, strengthening our culture and ensuring that we continue to deliver exceptional, client-focused service across Africa and beyond."
Rodger's says that while she remains actively involved in client work, her days are now far more varied than they were previously, with a significant portion of her time being dedicated to leadership and strategic goals.
"The role requires me to balance immediate priorities with a broader strategic perspective, which is both challenging and incredibly rewarding."
Here we talk to Rodgers further about her objectives, the benefits of being dual-qualified attorney, and what it takes to maintain a work-life balance with such a demanding career.
What goals are you aiming to achieve as managing partner?
My overarching goal is to ensure that CDH continues to be the leading business law firm in Africa, known not only for legal excellence but also for innovation, collaboration and client service.
A key focus area is investing in our people. Professional services firms are ultimately built on talent, and I aim to create an environment where our lawyers and business professionals continue to thrive and build meaningful careers. I am also passionate about embracing technology and new ways of working to enhance both client experience and operational effectiveness.
At the same time, I aim to strengthen our position as a trusted adviser on the major opportunities and challenges shaping the continent and the province, from energy transition and infrastructure development to regulatory reform and investment growth.
My appointment also reflects CDH’s continued commitment to the Western Cape, where the firm has deep historic roots through its predecessor firms and has supported clients for generations. As one of South Africa’s leading business centres, the Western Cape remains an important market for many of the firm’s clients, and CDH is committed to ensuring that it continues to deliver the exceptional service, market-leading legal expertise, and trusted relationships for which the firm is known.
As a dual-qualified attorney in South Africa and solicitor of England and Wales, how has this aided and enhanced your international work?
Having a grounding in both South African law and the legal framework of England and Wales has enabled me to work more effectively on cross-border matters and to better understand the expectations of international clients and counterparties.
It also provides a broader perspective when structuring transactions, negotiating agreements and anticipating legal and commercial risks.
Perhaps most importantly, it has reinforced the importance of adaptability. No two jurisdictions are identical, but understanding different legal systems allows you to bridge those differences and help clients achieve practical, commercially focused outcomes.
You've specialised in Oil & Gas from the very start of your career. What drew you to the sector and how do you make your mark as a woman in one of the most male-dominated industries there is?
Oil & Gas sits at the intersection of law, economics, geopolitics, engineering and environmental considerations. It is a dynamic industry that has a profound impact on economies and communities, and I found that intellectually fascinating from the outset.
As for being a woman in the sector, I have always focused on building expertise, credibility and strong relationships. While there is no denying that the industry has historically been male-dominated, I have also been fortunate to work with many leaders and colleagues who have championed diversity and inclusion.
I believe making your mark ultimately comes down to delivering excellent work, demonstrating resilience and remaining authentic. There is also a responsibility to support and encourage the next generation of women entering the profession and the energy sector. Visibility matters, and representation helps others see what is possible.
Given the persistent gender gap in senior legal leadership, how do you see your appointment influencing progress within the local market?
I hope that my appointment serves as a positive example of what can be achieved when organisations are committed to developing and promoting talent based on merit and potential.
While meaningful progress has been made, there is still work to do across the legal profession to ensure that leadership pipelines are truly representative. Diversity in leadership structures is not simply a matter of fairness. It strengthens decision-making, broadens perspectives and ultimately benefits clients and organisations alike.
If my appointment inspires even a few young women to pursue leadership opportunities with confidence, I will consider that a success. More broadly, I hope it contributes to ongoing conversations about creating environments where all talented professionals have the opportunity to thrive and lead.
Finally, give us some insight into how you maintain a healthy work-life balance...
Like many professionals, I would say it is less about achieving perfect balance and more about making conscious choices and setting priorities. The legal profession can be demanding, and leadership roles bring their own responsibilities, so maintaining perspective is important.
I make a deliberate effort to spend quality time with family and friends, to stay active and to create space for activities that help me recharge. I have also learned the value of trusting great teams and recognising that leadership is not about doing everything yourself.
Perhaps the most important lesson is that balance looks different at different stages of life and career. Rather than striving for perfection, I focus on being present and fully engaged wherever I am, whether that is in the boardroom, with clients, or at home with loved ones.
