Vincent Affourtit becomes Houthoff's new managing partner

On 1 January 2025, Vincent Affourtit joined Houthoff's Board. Alongside his re-elected colleagues, Lucas Louwerier and Alexander Kaarls, he will lead the firm for the next three years.

Jessica Terpstra of Houthoff's Supervisory Board: "We were clear about what we expect to see in a managing partner. Given his personality, experience and legal specialism, we are thrilled to have Vincent take on this role. The partner group unanimously looks to the future with confidence under the leadership of our new board."

Home-grown talent

Vincent joined Houthoff in 2000 and became partner in 2012. He is the head of Houthoff's Investigations & Public Enforcement practice group, focusing on financial and economic public law. Additionally, he is a sought-after lecturer and author. "Our wonderful firm has been very generous to me and it is a privilege to be given the opportunity to contribute to Houthoff's further growth as a board member. I am taking on this role in an era that calls for adaptability and innovation from our clients, our people and our firm. The impact of geopolitics, AI and societal forces is immense. To receive this vote of confidence from the partner group is a true honour and especially a major boost to tackle these issues head-on. Together with all my colleagues – and especially my fellow board members – I intend to create an even better Houthoff."

Board continuity

For the next three years, aside from Vincent, Houthoff's board will consist of Alexander Kaarls and Lucas Louwerier. The two were re-elected after their previous three-year term as board members.

Alexander Kaarls has over 30 years' experience as an M&A lawyer and holds a leading position in large international mergers and acquisitions. He also advises on corporate governance, joint ventures and securities regulatory compliance. Before joining Houthoff in 2004, he worked for the US law firm Skadden in Palo Alto (California), London and Brussels for 10 years.

Lucas has been working in Houthoff's Real Estate practice group since 2004. As a civil-law notary, he represents institutional investors, private equity firms, pension funds, real estate developers and other clients in corporate and other real estate transactions, real estate developments and financing transactions.