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Nellie Tiyago becomes the first female Chair in leading Zimbabwean firm Scanlen & Holderness’ 130-year history
First established in 1894, Scanlen & Holderness is a leading corporate, commercial, and mining law firm in Zimbabwe. In a history-making appointment, it has announced this week that Nellie Tiyago will take the baton from Byron J Symeonoglou to lead the distinguished firm into its next chapter
The appointment of Nellie Tiyago as the first female Chairperson of Scanlen & Holderness makes a significant milestone in the leading Zimbabwean law firm’s century-plus history, and reflects her “outstanding professional reputation and the confidence reposed in her leadership, insight, and vision”, says the firm.
Effective from 1 January, Tiyago, a University of Pretoria graduate who began her career with Scanlen & Holderness in 2004 (becoming a partner in 2008), will lead the distinguished Zimbabwean firm for a two-year term as Chairperson, following the retirement of Byron J Symeonoglou, who will be a consultant going forward.
Tiyago assumes office at a pivotal moment for the firm, which is confident “her tenure will be characterised by principled leadership, institutional strength, and strategic foresight.” She is a seasoned practitioner with a strong background in banking and finance, and extensive experience in corporate and commercial law.
Congratulations have flowed from the legal community and beyond this week.
A premier Zimbabwean law firm, Scanlen & Holderness offers a suite of legal services to local, regional or international clients. Its quality of expertise consistently earns it and its lawyers top rankings in both local and international legal surveys. It is a member of LEX Africa, the first and largest network of leading commercial lawyers on the continent, and a member of Meritas, a worldwide network of leading lawyers.
As well as being a longtime partner at Scanlen & Holderness, Tiyago is a registered conveyancer and administrator; is a member of the International Bar Association, the International Trade Council, and the Zimbabwe-Australia Business Council; and serves as a Non-Executive Board Member of Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe and various other companies. In July 2025 she was inaugurated as President of the Harare Legal Practitioners Association, which represents the majority of Zimbabwean lawyers.
“Her trailblazing leadership showcases unrelenting determination, exceptional expertise, and serves as a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of women in law,” said the firm at the time. “At Scanlen & Holderness, we ignite change through unwavering advocacy and practice, championing women empowerment.”
Tiyago’s practice areas have included joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, due diligence, drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, commercial litigation, and intellectual property registration. In recent years she has worked on a variety of key matters including: advising private and public entities on card based and cardless payment systems for the banked and unbanked; public health issues, COVID-19 treatment protocols and medicines control; the establishment of the first single and largest multi-disciplined medical practice in Zimbabwe; and a constitutional review of the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Constitution.
“We extend our warmest congratulations and wish her every success as she leads Scanlen and Holderness into its next chapter,” said the firm this week.