Prof. Andrew Defor - Board Chair
For over a decade, Andrew has served as Chair of the Board of Directors at L & C. In this capacity, he has provided visionary leadership, shaped the organization’s culture, and fostered an environment for constructive dialogue and informed decision-making. He has been instrumental in driving the company's success.
Andrew is a distinguished Law Professor with over a decade of expertise in public affairs, policy advocacy, diplomacy, and government relations. He possesses deep knowledge of the Canadian political landscape, federal policy and government decision-making processes, making him a sought-after advisor and thought leader in his field.
Andrew’s career began at the World Health Organization where he advised senior officials from the AU, G20, EU and World Bank. In Canada, Andrew has worked with numerous organizations to design and implement dynamic government relations strategies and public affairs campaigns. His work has earned him recognition for his strategic vision and impactful outcomes, further cementing his reputation as a leader in the discipline.
James Adam - Lead Partner, North-America Group
James leads the firm's North-America Group. He has over 8 years of experience in government relations, specializing in the US and Canadian financial, real estate, and infrastructure sectors. Known for his strategic acumen and ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, he advises Fortune 500 companies, investment firms, and public agencies on critical policy matters.
James earned a Political Science degree from Yale University, graduating with honors, and a Master’s in Public Administration from the London School of Economics (LSE), focusing on infrastructure policy and international regulatory frameworks. These academic achievements underpin his expertise in public-private partnerships and economic development.
At L & C, James' deep government networks and policy insights have driven transformative deals for clients nationwide.
Outside of work, James is a mentor, thought leader, and frequent speaker at industry conferences. Based in Washington, D.C., he enjoys hiking, contemporary art, and family life.
Gabriella Abuhimed - Lead Partner, Africa Group
Gabriella Adams is the Lead Partner for the Africa Group at L & C, specializing in energy transition and sustainability. With over 15 years of experience in government relations across Africa and the Middle- East, she has become a trusted advisor to policymakers and non-governmental organizations. Her expertise lies at the intersection of energy transition, sustainability, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies across the African continent.
Gabriella holds a BA in Political Science from Columbia University,and an MA in Public Policy, specializing in sustainable development and energy economics.
At L & C, Gabriella has led advocacy campaigns to promote renewable energy adoption, helping shape policies that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship in emerging markets.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Gabriella is a passionate advocate for mentoring women in leadership. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, she drawing inspiration from the rich cultures of the region, to inform her innovative approach to solving global energy policy challenges.
Sharon Hoffman - Lead Partner, Europe Group
Sharon is the Lead Partner for the Europe Group at L & C. With over 20 years of experience in organizing policy advocacy and government relations campaigns, Sharon has built a reputation as a trusted government relations advisor. Her specialization spans the transportation, manufacturing, natural resources, and life sciences sectors, where her innovative approaches have shaped critical policies and fostered impactful collaborations between governments and multilateral corporations.
Born and raised in Germany, Sharon attended two of the nation’s top academic institutions, the University of Heidelberg and the Technical University of Munich, where she earned degrees in political science and public policy. Her policy advocacy career began with a role in the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
At L & C, Sharon leads a multidisciplinary team with a keen understanding of cross-border regulations and sustainable transportation initiatives. When she’s not supporting clients, Sharon enjoys exploring her passion for classical music and hiking in the Bavarian Alps.
Henry Lockhart - Lead Partner, Middle-East Group
Henry leads the Middle East group at L & C, where he combines decades of expertise in corporate finance, capital markets, intellectual property, and tax regulatory structures. His nuanced understanding of regional and international frameworks has made him a trusted confidant for corporations navigating cross-border transactions, complex regulatory landscapes and policy challenges.
Educated at the London School of Economics (LSE), where he earned his foundation in economics and law, Henry further honed his analytical and leadership skills at Stanford University, completing an advanced degree in international policy and management. His academic journey laid the groundwork for his multidisciplinary approach to advising clients, blending rigorous financial acumen with a deep appreciation for legal intricacies.
At L & C, clients value his ability to distill complexity into actionable strategies, empowering them to achieve sustainable growth.
Beyond his professional commitments, Henry is a passionate advocate for education and innovation in emerging markets.
Ella Anim-Asare - Lead, Stakeholder Engagement
Ella is a seasoned public administration professional with over 8 years of experience managing operations, facilitating high-level communication, and ensuring regulatory compliance across diverse sectors.
Her background has given her a deep understanding of organizational dynamics and the expertise to optimize processes, drive efficiencies, and support strategic government relations initiatives.Ella’s dedication to client success and her capacity to navigate complex administrative and regulatory landscapes make her a valued advisor in government relations and public policy.
Ella is skilled in building productive relationships with stakeholders, understanding the nuances of policy development, and advocating effectively on behalf of clients and is committed to applying her extensive knowledge to help clients achieve impactful results in their government relations and public policy objectives.
She holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Portsmouth in the UK.
Alexandra Appiah - Lead, Talent Management
Alexandra is a results-driven government relations professional with experience in administration, and stakeholder engagement. She supports government relations efforts by coordinating activities and assisting in the management of client and government communications.
Her experience includes providing detailed briefings for senior executives, facilitating smooth operations, and ensuring effective communication with diverse stakeholders.
Alexandra is highly skilled in team management, process development, and relationship-building with stakeholders. Known for her commitment to professional growth, Alexandra is dedicated to supporting and enhancing government relations initiatives and thrives in dynamic, collaborative environments.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Studies from Central University in Ghana.