Kennedys strengthens international arbitration practice with new Paris-based partner to help lead and grow the practice

We are continuing our strategic expansion with the appointment of partner Thomas Kendra. 

Thomas joins as one of the lead partners in our growing commercial and investment arbitration practice, and will work as part of the leadership team across various jurisdictions on developing the offering.

Joining from Hogan Lovells, Thomas has specialised in international arbitration for over twenty years, acting for multinational companies in commercial arbitrations under all the major rules and institutions, and for both Nation States and investors in investment treaty arbitrations. In addition to investment arbitration, his expertise focuses on sectors including energy, telecommunications, mining, insurance and life sciences.

Thomas will be based in Paris, but will work closely with colleagues around the world. Our international arbitration teams are strategically located at the world’s main arbitration hubs including Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas.

His recent experience has covered several multi-billion dollar disputes in the energy sector in Europe, disputes relating to the alleged expropriation of mining licences in Africa and also in Central Asia, major telecoms disputes in Central Europe and West Africa as well as investment arbitrations in the food production and also energy sectors in Latin America. 

Dual-qualified in both England and France, Thomas has a proven track record of championing alternative dispute resolution (ADR), notably in Africa and Asia. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Kigali International Arbitration Centre (KIAC) in Rwanda and remains actively involved as a member of KIAC’s Board and Executive Committee, supporting its growth as a leading arbitration institution in Africa. Additionally, he is currently Co-President of AfricArb, aimed at encouraging the development of international arbitration across Africa.

Thomas is also a regular contributor to publications and conferences on the topic of international arbitration, whilst teaching at both the Sciences Po (Paris Institute of Political Studies) and Paris-Saclay University.

Ben Aram, global head of Kennedys’ corporate and commercial practice, says: “Thomas is highly regarded in the commercial dispute resolution community, both in France and internationally, for his exceptional performance and ability to navigate complex cases with precision. His leadership and expertise will play a crucial role in expanding our international arbitration capabilities, a strategic focus of our growing corporate and commercial practice.”

Commenting on Thomas’ appointment, Andrew McGahey, EMEA regional managing partner and Alexis Valençon, co-founder and managing partner of Kennedys’ Paris office believe that Thomas’ extensive experience in international arbitration and broad book of business will be a significant asset to the firm, with his arrival strengthening our thriving Paris office and enhancing Kennedys’ EMEA and global presence.

“I am thrilled to be joining Kennedys at this time. There are clearly significant opportunities to further enhance its reputable international arbitration offering, leveraging the many synergies across their global offices and key sectors. I look forward to working with my colleagues and partners both locally and internationally in this exciting venture," adds Thomas.

Our international arbitration team is recognised for its expertise in managing significant and complex cross-border disputes worldwide. The team consists of lawyers from both common and civil law jurisdictions, with its work spanning various industry sectors across jurisdictions including banking and finance, commodities, energy and power generation, construction, insurance and (re)insurance, IT and telecoms, life sciences, international trade, shipping, transport and logistics.

Open since 2017, our Paris office has developed a well-established reputation as one of the region’s leading commercial litigation practices, particularly renowned for its expertise in (re)insurance, liability and complex cross-border disputes.