Danone strengthens in Southern Africa with addition of Lufuno Trevor Shinwana as new Head of Legal & Compliance

Talented inhouse counsel and legal leader Lufuno Trevor Shinwana has revealed this week that he has begun work as the new Head of Legal & Compliance for Danone Southern Africa, the Johannesburg-headquartered subsidiary of a leading food and beverage multinational founded in France more than a century ago. 

“I am looking forward to contributing my expertise to this new category and more importantly, I am so proud to have joined a brand that lives in so many households across the world,” shared Shinwana, who has spent the past few years in inhouse roles at AB InBev, most recently as Head of Legal at South African Breweries. 

A law graduate of the University of Pretoria, Shinwana has also earned Master’s degrees in Law from Cornell University in the USA, and in Development Policy & Practice from the University of Cape Town. He spent more than six years in private practice, beginning as a Candidate Attorney at ENSafrica then later rising to Senior Associate at Bowmans. He joined AB InBev in April 2021, as a legal counsel responsible for managing and monitoring competition, anti-trust and data privacy compliance for the Africa Zone, and advising on expansion markets in Africa.

A certified B Corporation, Danone Southern Africa has been operating for almost 20 years, with brands including NutriDay, Ultra Mel, Yogi Sip, Inkomazi, and Activia.

"At Danone we are committed to developing meaningful food solutions in a sustainable way to create a healthier future for South Africans,” says General Manager Hendrik Born, “This is only achievable through a highly engaged team, inspired by Danone's mission and filled with a winning spirit for growth."

Shinwana now joins that team, and mission. 

Farewelling AB InBev last month, he reflected on his growth from an eager young competition lawyer fresh out of private practice, to becoming a business leader, and learning what it means to be a collaborative strategic partner under the mentorship of Andrew Whiting, and working with Wellington Chimwaradze. 

Former colleagues praised Shinwana’s “rare combination” of professionalism and leadership with kindness and integrity, along with an inspirational career trajectory. 

“Lufuno, it’s been a pleasure working with you over the years and seeing you grow professionally from a specialist into a very able and strategic general counsel,” shared Whiting, Vice President of Legal and Corporate Affairs at AB InBev, and a member of the AB InBev Africa Management Committee. “Onwards and upwards!”