King & Wood Mallesons has announced that Cindy Valentine, Investment Funds partner, has been awarded the esteemed prize of Best in Investment Funds at this year’s European Women in Business Law Awards, organised by Euromoney Legal Media Group.

The awards recognise pioneering women leading the field in the European legal sector, and celebrates the achievements of firms setting the standard for female-friendly work practices and championing gender diversity, innovation and talent management initiatives.

Cindy was recognised for her expertise and depth in the private equity fundraising market as well as her strategic focus and success in expanding the African funds practice. Having relocated to the continent to better serve the firm’s African-focused clients, Cindy has built the African funds practice into a thriving business advising a large number of African fund clients including leading PE houses based in the region, and has broadened the firm’s reach in a highly contested market.

In addition to this award, King & Wood Mallesons also won the firm-wide accolade for ‘Best in Country’ in Germany in recognition of the firm’s many initiatives in support of gender diversity.

William Boss, Managing Partner of Europe & Middle East at King & Wood Mallesons, said: “Cindy is going from strength to strength as an example of excellence in the emerging markets private equity legal industry. As a firm, people are our greatest asset and diversity forms an integral part of the firm’s values. Both awards are key examples of our commitment to maintaining an inclusive working environment for our people.”