Managing the legal division of health and beauty specialist Clicks Group, David Janks is praised for his ability to navigate both industries’ complex regulatory landscapes. Negotiating with the relevant authorities is an integral part of his role. According to sources, he has particularly excelled in managing strategic litigation and transactions, and in incorporating South Africa’s new Companies Act into policies and procedures.

When it comes to outside counsel, he feels they can be ‘overly technical’ at times, and fail to appreciate the commercial implications of advice. ‘The external attorneys I work with most closely are generally those who keep things simple, and meet my needs in providing solutions rather than identifying problems’.