Kuwait 2025
Supported by the Association of Corporate Counsel
Chief legal officer | Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA)
General manager and general counsel, head of legal affairs | National Bank of Kuwait
Assistant general manager, legal affairs division | Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait
Corporate counsel | Fouad Alghanim & Sons Group of Companies
General counsel and company secretary | Kuwait Food Company (Americana)
Lead of corporate legal affairs | Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC)
Director of legal affairs and compliance | The Arab Investment & Export Credit Guarantee Corporation
Senior vice president, legal and board secretary | United Real Estate (URC)
Senior group manager, legal services | Al-Sayer Group Holding
General counsel | Energy Solutions Co. Ltd Meroven Group Ltd & AMG Kuwait
Legal manager | United Projects for Aviation Services Company (UPAC)
Senior manager, board affairs, legal and compliance | Kuwait Credit Information Network Company (CINET)
Group chief general counsel and international advisor | Action Group Holding
Chief of legal and governance | Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO)
Senior legal counsel, head of international and subsidiaries legal affairs | Kuwait Finance House
It is with immense pride that we present the inaugural edition of the GC Powerlist: Kuwait 2025, a landmark moment in our ongoing mission to spotlight legal excellence across the region. After years of featuring Kuwait within our broader Middle East coverage, the country now takes centre stage with its own dedicated publication. This reflects not only Kuwait’s evolving legal landscape but also the strategic significance of its corporate counsel.
This edition honours the trailblazing general counsel who are redefining the role of legal leadership. Far beyond safeguarding legal interests, these professionals are driving innovation, shaping public policy, and influencing business strategy in an increasingly complex and competitive environment. Their work spans vital sectors including energy, finance, healthcare, and technology – demonstrating that their impact reaches well beyond the legal department.
The decision to launch a standalone Kuwait Powerlist was inspired by the exceptional calibre of legal talent in the country and the distinctive challenges they navigate. From steering regulatory reforms to orchestrating cross-border transactions, the individuals featured here embody the agility, foresight, and leadership that define the modern general counsel.
Inside, you’ll discover exclusive interviews and in-depth profiles of Kuwait’s most influential corporate lawyers, representing a rich array of industries. Their ability to craft legal strategies, mitigate risk, and align with business priorities underscores the increasingly pivotal role of in-house counsel in shaping organisational success.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this edition – through nominations, interviews, and insights – and offer our warmest congratulations to the distinguished counsel featured within these pages. Their achievements reflect not only personal excellence but also the growing influence of legal leadership in Kuwait’s economic and institutional development.
On behalf of The Legal 500, thank you for joining us in celebrating this milestone. We look forward to continuing our mission to elevate the voices and stories of in-house legal leaders around the world.
Francisco Faria e Castro | Research Editor | GC Powerlist Series
On July 1st, Legal 500 unveiled the fourth edition of the GC Powerlist: Portugal 2026, in partnership with PLMJ. Hosted once again on the rooftop terrace of the firm’s Lisbon office under a blazing summer sun, the event brought together many of Portugal’s most accomplished in-house lawyers to celebrate this distinguished community of legal leaders.
Returning to its individual-focused format, this year’s edition marked the reintroduction of the Rising Stars category, recognising some of the country’s most promising emerging in-house counsel. It also saw the world debut of the Transnational Leaders category, highlighting general counsel whose leadership and influence extend beyond national borders and whose responsibilities span multiple jurisdictions.
The evening commenced with a welcome address from Legal 500’s editorial lead Francisco Castro, who emphasised the importance of continuously evolving the publication to reflect the realities of Portugal’s in-house legal market. He highlighted the rigorous research and selection process behind the GC Powerlist series and congratulated the honourees for their outstanding contributions to the profession and the organisations they serve.
Following this introduction, Bruno Ferreira, Managing Partner of PLMJ, took to the stage to congratulate those recognised in this year’s edition. In his remarks, he underscored the increasingly strategic role of in-house counsel in supporting business growth, navigating complexity, and driving legal excellence. He also reflected on the transformative impact that AI is having on the legal function and the opportunities it presents for corporate legal teams.
Concluding the formal proceedings, Alexandra Reis, Senior Counsel at Tabaqueira and a recipient in the inaugural Transnational Leaders category, shared a few reflections on the significance of recognising in-house lawyers and the value of fostering a strong, connected legal community. Drawing on her own experiences, she spoke about the importance of networking, knowledge-sharing and celebrating a profession whose contributions often take place behind the scenes.
The launch of the GC Powerlist: Portugal 2026 proved to be a fitting celebration of the country’s leading in-house legal talent. The evening showcased the depth, expertise, and influence of Portugal’s corporate counsel community while reaffirming Legal 500’s commitment to recognising and championing its achievements. We extend our sincere thanks to all those who participated in this year’s research process, and to PLMJ for once again partnering with Legal 500 to provide a platform that honours these exceptional legal professionals.
