Business analytics firm SAS has appointed advocate Natasha Pramchand as regional director: legal counsel for Middle East and Africa (MEA). Pramchand's 19 years of experience in various legal positions was noted by SAS in its announcement of the new appointment.

SAS Southern Africa managing director Desan Naidoo is positive about the contribution Pramchand will make to SAS.

"As a global enterprise, it's crucial that SAS stays on top of all legal and regulatory requirements, as they relate to our own and our clients' businesses. MEA has specific challenges and a diverse legal environment that our business solutions need to comply with. We're pleased to have Natasha to guide and advise us on these frameworks so that we are in the best position to protect the company, our staff and our clients,"

Along with her team Pramchand will be responsible for iSAS listed legal and contracts administration functions in MEA, general and specialised legal support to SAS, its regional offices and subsidiaries, including software licensing, contract review, drafting and negotiations, company secretarial, IP, labour law, regulation, compliance, legal training and risk management.

"The MEA region has huge growth potential and SAS's legal team needs to be the governance gatekeepers that supports and enables sustainable growth. The region includes a myriad of cultures and customs, both spoken and unspoken, so it is certainly an exhilarating space to work in as it encourages personal and professional development." added Naidoo.

Pramchand has previously worked for EDS, Alcatel, Sasol and Kraft Foods among others as legal and chief counsel.