Dentons Europe appoints Wendela Raas as CEO for Europe

Dentons Europe has appointed Wendela Raas, a partner based in Amsterdam, as the firm's CEO for Europe, following the recent appointment of Kate Barton as Dentons' global CEO. Raas's term will begin on November 1, 2024. In her new role, she will be responsible for leading and shaping the strategy for the Europe region, which includes 23 offices across 18 countries in Europe and Central Asia.

Wendela Raas was the managing partner of Boekel De Nerée, an Amsterdam-based firm that merged with Dentons in 2017. She is a member of the European Board and the Global Board of Dentons and serves as Global Vice Chair. Additionally, she leads Dentons' Global Consumer Products and Services group.

Raas has over 25 years of experience in Real Estate Law, with a focus on commercial leases, litigation, and transactional work. Notably, she has a strong focus on fostering talent and promoting greater inclusion, having actively participated in Dentons' talent development programs as a mentor and advisor.

She succeeds Tomasz Dąbrowski, who has served as CEO of Europe since 2014. Under his leadership, Dentons experienced exceptional growth in Europe and Central Asia, doubling its revenue and the number of partners. During his tenure, Dentons expanded its presence in the region, adding offices in Amsterdam, Düsseldorf, Luxembourg, Milan, Munich, Rome, and Tbilisi, and strengthening capabilities throughout the region, particularly in major Western European markets.

“I am excited and grateful that my colleagues have entrusted me with leading our firm in Europe and Central Asia,” said Raas. “I want to thank Tomasz Dąbrowski for his immense contributions to our firm over the past 11 years, and I look forward to continuing his legacy by enhancing and differentiating our brand and being the go-to firm for the evolving needs of our clients in Europe, Central Asia, and the more than 80 countries where Dentons operates worldwide.”

Tomasz Dąbrowski remarked, “It has been a true honor to serve as CEO of Europe for more than a decade. I am very pleased to hand over the reins to Wendela as my successor. She is an accomplished professional, a highly respected lawyer, and an experienced leader. I believe she is the right person to guide our teams across Europe into the future.”