African lawyers Tanya Seitz, Ryan Alho, and Mostafa Lotayef among Baker McKenzie’s global partner promotions

South African energy and infrastructure expert Ryan Alho, South African mergers & acquisitions expert Tanya Seitz, and Egyptian banking and finance counsel Mostafa Lotayef have each been promoted, effective 1 July 2025, to partner or partner equivalent positions among a new round of global promotions by Baker McKenzie.

With today’s announcement of 59 lawyers promoted to partner, along with 48 lateral partners joining various Baker McKenzie’s offices worldwide this financial year, the leading law firm notes it has added a total of 107 partners globally since 1 July 2024. 

“More than ever this year, it is an honour to announce our promotions to partner,” says Milton Cheng, Global Chair of Baker McKenzie. “I extend my sincere congratulations to this exceptionally talented group of lawyers who will help us continue to build on our strengths as a global firm in a broad range of locations, practices, and sectors. Their unwavering dedication to client service and excellence will be key in driving our firm’s success and we look forward to their many more contributions in the years to come.”

Baker McKenzie South Africa congratulated Ryan Alho and Tanya Seitz, who will become Directors in the Johannesburg office, noting their promotions reflected their exceptional legal expertise and consistent dedication to clients and the firm’s values. 

“Tanya and Ryan exemplify the very best of Baker McKenzie, their integrity, talent and work ethic set a standard for us all,” says Lerisha Naidu, Country Managing Partner. “Their promotion is not just recognition of their individual success, but speaks to the calibre of leadership we strive to build at the firm. We are incredibly proud of them and excited for what the future holds.”

Ryan’s practice focuses on private M&A and private equity transactions across various industries, including renewable energy, consumer, education, waste management and property development. He also routinely advises on black economic empowerment (BEE) transactions. Tanya, who was also recently shortlisted for a Rising Star Award in the 2025 IFLR Women in Business Law EMEA Awards, specialises in mergers and acquisitions (private and public), equity capital markets transactions, takeovers, corporate reorganisations and restructurings, securities law, healthcare, and corporate governance.

Mostafa Lotayef has risen through the ranks at Baker McKenzie Cairo - Helmy, Hamza & Partners over the past decade, after beginning his legal career at Commercial International Bank Egypt. His practice focuses on banking, finance and energy, mining, and infrastructure projects. Lately, Mostafa has been leading the Cairo office's efforts in the fintech sector, which include mobile banking, digital payments, BNPL services, and other cutting-edge financial technologies.

His leadership in real estate finance, leveraged loan facilities, acquisition finance, debt restructuring and debt capital markets continues to shape the future of the Cairo office, said Baker McKenzie Cairo on social media, following today's announcement. "Congratulations to Mostafa on a very well-deserved promotion! On behalf of the entire Cairo team, we wish him continuous success and best of luck."