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Heike Blank and Mark Ziekman named CO-Heads of the CMS Consumer Products Sector Group

4 April 2019

As of 12 February 2019, CMS Consumer Products Sector Group (CPSG) is jointly led by Heike Blank (Germany) and Mark Ziekman (Netherlands). Together they will lead an international team of more than 40 partners and a total of more than 100 lawyers in 21 countries. The group advises clients on all aspects of the law related to the consumer products sector, in Europe and beyond.

The new co-Heads take over this role from Michael Bauer who has led the CMS Consumer Products Sector Group since 2009 but will now move on to take over a new function as Global Head of the CMS Competition & EU Group. Under Michael's chairmanship the CMS Consumer Products became one of the most prestigious teams of European experts for clients from the sector. The team has been involved in many landmark cases and advises today a long list of leading brands e.g. from the food and beverages industry but also from the electronics, household, fashion, cosmetics and retail sector.

Michael: "It has been a great experience and pleasure to chair the CMS consumer products team for almost a decade. I am very happy that I may hand over the leadership of the team now to the next generation of partners. Both Heike and Mark are a fantastic choice to lead the group to the next level."

Heike Blank specialises in unfair competition, food and cosmetics law and represents major German and international companies. Her considerable experience includes advising on all aspects ahead of new product launches and new marketing methods as well as the production, labelling, packaging and distribution of FMCGs.

Mark Ziekman is active in the field of company law and specialises in cross-border mergers and takeovers and joint ventures. He is widely recognised for his M&A work and his focus on the consumer products sector.

In 2019, the new leadership team will focus on expanding into specific segments of the consumer products market.

"We are excited to strengthen CMS' international presence and introduce new tools for clients to stay ahead of legal and commercial developments.", Heike and Mark describe their ambitions in their new role.

A dedicated Management Team will support Heike Blank and Mark Ziekman in their duties. This committee is made up of experienced lawyers from different countries, with local and international expertise in the full spectrum of the consumer products sector.