The Africa Professional Services Group – of which Africa Legal is a subsidiary – has announced the appointment of Tom Pearson as chief commercial officer with effect from October 22, 2018.

Pearson joins APSG/Africa Legal after eight years with ALM (the US publisher that owns titles like Legal Week and The American Lawyer) and will be based at the group’s headquarters in Holborn, London.

Speaking on his appointment, Pearson said there was a huge appetite for the product being developed by the group and, knowing the people behind the business, Scott Cowan and Wendy Bampton, it was an opportunity that ignited excitement and passion.

“I've known Scott and Wendy for a number of years and have keenly followed the development of the business. The opportunity to join them in building such an exciting and novel platform and business has come at a perfect time,” Pearson said.

Scott Cowan, co-founder of Africa Legal and its umbrella company, said Pearson’s appointment was a coup and would support the business which was expanding much faster than had been anticipated.

“Tom brings to the table the commercial expertise to make this a long term, sustainable project that will have real impact in connecting professional services across the continent,” he said.

Wendy Bampton, who has been instrumental in the group’s IT development, and who is a co-founder, said Pearson’s insight into the African way of doing business – and the complexities of different regions - meant he was uniquely positioned to grow the group’s commercial arm.

“There are big opportunities and an appetite for a pan African platform. Always though, we have to remember, the importance of good relationships and regional insight, which Tom understands.”

Pearson said Africa presented an energetic and varied but complex blend of peoples, countries and industries.

“When you have a continent abounding with so much youthful energy, talent and opportunity you have a recipe to develop a product that can expose and connect some of the most engaging, interesting and fun people you could ever hope to meet.”

Pearson’s role, as Chief Commercial Officer for APSG, means he will have oversight of all sales and product activity undertaken across the group’s brands.

On a personal note Pearson holds an LLB from Brunel University in London.