Chief legal officer | Bader Sultan & Brothers Co.
Dana Barakat
Chief legal officer | Bader Sultan & Brothers Co.
Career biography
I am the chief legal officer of Bader Sultan & Brothers Co. W.L.L., one of Kuwait’s most established healthcare and life sciences groups with a proud legacy of nearly 70 years. Over more than two decades in the legal profession, I have been privileged to contribute to the growth and governance of a company whose history is deeply rooted in innovation, trust, and service to the nation. Joining an institution with such deep roots has shaped my approach to leadership: my role is not only to guide today’s legal and governance priorities but also to protect and sustain a legacy built over generations.
My career has been defined by strategic leadership, technical expertise, and an unwavering commitment to ethics, with the goal of ensuring that the legal function is always a driver of sustainable success rather than a passive safeguard. In my role, I oversee all aspects of the company’s legal and governance agenda across pharmaceuticals, laboratories, and medical equipment divisions. I am responsible for cross-border transactions, regulatory compliance, high-value negotiations, and dispute resolution.
Over the years, I have negotiated multimillion-dollar agreements with international partners and government entities, ensuring that each deal not only strengthens the company’s market position but also stands on solid legal and ethical foundations. A defining aspect of my career has been managing complex, high-stakes disputes.
I have successfully overseen litigation exposures worth hundreds of millions of dollars, including a single case valued at USD$ 70m., guiding them to outcomes that safeguarded both financial stability and corporate reputation. These achievements highlight my ability to manage pressure, navigate cross-jurisdictional complexities, and deliver results without losses.
My work extends well beyond healthcare. I am frequently called upon to advise sister and affiliated entities in other industries, including homeland security, defense, petroleum, engineering, and construction. I have led negotiations for large-scale infrastructure projects, defense procurement frameworks, oilfield service contracts, and engineering joint ventures, many valued in the tens and hundreds of millions of dollars.
These experiences have broadened my perspective, deepened my understanding of diverse regulatory landscapes, and strengthened my ability to provide solutions across industries. I have also been deeply engaged in strengthening governance and compliance frameworks. By embedding forward-looking policies, rigorous reporting standards, and strong internal controls, I have ensured alignment with Kuwaiti law as well as international best practices. These efforts have improved transparency, accelerated board-level decision-making, and enhanced the organization’s credibility with regulators, partners, and stakeholders.
In addition to my technical and strategic responsibilities, I am committed to mentorship and team development. I believe that true leadership is measured not only by results but also by the ability to inspire and empower others. Throughout my career, I have mentored young lawyers, fostered inclusive team environments, and invested in building a culture of resilience, professionalism, and integrity.
At the heart of everything I do lies a simple but powerful principle: ethics and integrity are non-negotiable. Every contract I draft, every negotiation I lead, and every governance framework I establish is guided by this philosophy. It is this conviction combined with strategic foresight and resilience that continues to shape my career, strengthen the organizations I serve, and safeguard the nearly 70-year legacy of Bader Sultan & Brothers as it moves confidently into the future.