kenna “Ike” Emehelu, a noted transactional lawyer with particular experience in energy and infrastructure project finance transactions, has joined Akin Gump as a partner in its project finance and development practice in the firm’s New York office. He comes to Akin Gump from Norton Rose Fulbright.
Mr. Emehelu represents lenders, developers, private equity and infrastructure funds, credit and sovereign investors and other capital providers in the development, financing, acquisition and disposition of renewable energy projects—including wind, solar, battery storage, carbon capture and biomass—as well as traditional power generation and non-generation infrastructure projects. He has structured transactions throughout the United States, Africa and Latin America.
“Ike’s depth of knowledge, reputation, and leadership in the market will be a great benefit to our clients seeking to participate in the next generation of the energy economy, including developing and funding renewable energy sources and innovations that support the energy transition,” commented Akin Gump chairperson Kim Koopersmith. “His arrival further strengthens our expanding project finance and development team, and I am delighted to welcome Ike to the firm.”
Added corporate practice co-head Zach Wittenberg, “Ike brings market-leading knowledge and experience to our practice. His extensive background in this space, especially as it relates to transactions facilitating the energy transition, will be critical to our energy and investor clients and squarely aligns with the practice’s strategic priorities around the globe.”
“Akin Gump has a long-established reputation in the market for its top-tier energy and project finance capabilities. The opportunity to join this incredible team was a clear next step for my practice,” said Mr. Emehelu of his move. “Decarbonization efforts have placed new trillion-dollar industries at the intersection of government policy and energy transactions, and Akin Gump—with its deep bench of experience across energy transactions, private funds and public policy—presents an unmatched offering to clients facing those challenges. I am thrilled to work with my new colleagues on transactions that bring exciting innovations to the energy industry and our planet.”
Mr. Emehelu received his J.D. from Yale Law School and his B.A. from the University of Bridgeport, summa cum laude.
Source: www.akingump.com
