Middle East 2024
Supported by the Association of Corporate Counsel
Group Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel | Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI)
Director of legal affairs | National Unified Procurement Company (NUPCO)
General counsel and company secretary | Drydocks World
Early in my career, I had the privilege of working on high-value, high-profile matters in both public service and private practice, alongside some of the most capable professionals in the...
Chief Legal Officer and FDI Policy Adviser | Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA)
General counsel | Msheireb Properties
Andrew Johnson is a strategic legal advisor and corporate officer driving effective governance and mitigating risk as general counsel and board secretary for Msheireb Properties in Qatar. With over 20...
Chief legal officer | King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD)
Vice president legal | Al Mouj Muscat
Badr Ahmed Al Busaidi is a distinguished legal expert with over 20 years of extensive experience in Oman’s legal and real estate sectors. He currently serves as the vice president...
General counsel, head – corporate risk, compliance and legal | VFS Global
Group general counsel | Mashreq
Bassam is a seasoned general counsel operating at C-suite level with a demonstrated track-record in the financial services sector, and strong business acumen with sophisticated risk-based approach. Extensive knowledge in...
Vice president and head of legal, Middle East and Africa | DHL
Chief Legal & Assurance Officer | Abdul Latif Jameel Enterprises
Associate General Counsel : Middle East and Africa | Kearney Middle East and Africa
Vice president and general counsel Middle East | Siemens Energy
Managing Director- Geographic Compliance & Corporate Middle East, Africa, ASIA PACIFIC, LATAM Legal Lead (Growth Markets) | Accenture
Head of legal and compliance Middle East, Turkey, Africa Region, and France | Lenovo
Chief legal and government affairs officer | Cruise Saudi
Group Chief Legal, Regulatory & Governance Officer | Ooredoo Group
General Counsel, Regional Support and Legal Operations | Accor
Director of legal - Middle East, Turkey, Africa and Pakistan | TikTok
UAE General Counsel and Regional General Counsel, MENAT | HSBC Bank Middle East
General counsel, head of ethics and business integrity | Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA)
Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel | Qatar Airways
General counsel, legal and compliance, board secretary | Silal
Chief legal officer - Africa, India and Middle East | Air Liquide
Head of legal, Middle East and Africa | Deutsche Bank
As head of legal for Deutsche Bank’s Middle East and Africa region, Mark provides innovative, expert and strategic advice, proactively manages complex legal and reputational risks and implements effective governance...
Group chief legal officer | Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)
Executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary | Saudi Aramco
Chief legal, regulatory, compliance officer and board secretary | Zain Bahrain
Regional General Counsel, Growth and Emerging Markets, Takeda Pharmaceuticals | Takeda
Deputy CEO and chief legal officer | Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFC)
General counsel | NBK Wealth
Bilingual legal professional with over 22 years of experience navigating the complexities of corporate and commercial law, capital markets regulations, corporate governance and regulatory compliance. Holding a master’s degree in private...
Regional General Counsel MENA-APAC | FCC Construcción
General counsel, Phosphate | Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma'aden)
Group General Counsel at DFM and Nasdaq Dubai, Head of Compliance, Risk & MLRO at Nasdaq Dubai | Dubai Financial Market and Nasdaq Dubai
General counsel | Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC)
General counsel | Core42
Roopal serves as the general counsel at Core42, providing strategic legal advice to the executive leadership and overseeing international M&A, joint ventures, and key strategic initiatives. With over 18 years...
General counsel | The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU)
Legal specialist | National Unified Procurement Company (NUPCO)
Head of legal – Middle East, North Africa, Turkey and Pakistan | J.P. Morgan
Vice president legal, deputy general counsel | Etihad Airways
Head of legal and acting head of compliance | Mezzan Holding Company
General counsel and head of compliance MENA - head of group human rights office - head of global compliance culture and training | Schindler Group
Head of legal/ Director, legal and compliance - Middle East | Gartner
We are excited to present the latest edition of The Legal 500 GC Powerlist: Middle East, a celebration of the region’s most influential legal professionals who are shaping the future of corporate governance and legal practice. In this publication, we celebrate the legal minds leading the charge in one of the world’s most vibrant and rapidly evolving regions. Within these pages, we highlight remarkable legal leaders who are not only navigating the complexities of their roles but are also catalysts for innovation and transformation within their organisations.
As the Middle East undergoes significant economic shifts and regulatory changes, the role of general counsel has never been more critical. From guiding multinational corporations through intricate legal landscapes to championing sustainability and social responsibility, these leaders are at the forefront of redefining what it means to be a legal professional today.
This year, we have carefully curated our selections to reflect not only individual achievements but also the collaborative spirit and resilience that characterise the legal community in the Middle East. We feature profiles of leaders who are pioneers in areas such as digital transformation, compliance, and the promotion of ESG principles within legal teams. As noted by Dr. Abdelkareem F. Alkadomi, chief legal and assurance officer at Abdul Latif Jameel Enterprises: “As the ESG lead, I am dedicated to cultivating a shared understanding of ESG principles throughout the organisation. Our goal is to integrate ESG considerations into our core business strategy, fostering a resilient and adaptable company culture centred on sustainability and responsibility. We believe ESG is a catalyst for operational efficiency and a fundamental transformation of modern business. Beyond compliance, ESG is a cornerstone of our commitment to building a sustainable future for our company and delivering long-term value to all stakeholders which will also strengthen our brand image and reputation”.
His sentiments are echoed by Ahmad Azzouni, group chief legal counsel at Aujan Group Holding, who emphasises the crucial role of legal departments in advancing CSR: “The legal department plays an important role in promoting CSR within the group We ensure that the group’s operations are not only legally compliant but also ethically aligned with our CSR goals. This includes reviewing contracts and supplier agreements to ensure they reflect our commitment to sustainability, fair labour practices, and environmental responsibility. Moreover, we actively participate in shaping CSR initiatives by collaborating with other departments to integrate responsible business practices into our operational framework”.
Each profile within this publication offers a glimpse into the unique journeys of these exceptional individuals, showcasing their strategies, challenges, and visions for the future. Their stories reflect not just personal achievements but also the broader trends and transformations shaping corporate governance in the region.
It is with great honour that we cast a well-deserved spotlight on the outstanding in-house legal professionals featured in The Legal 500 GC Powerlist: Middle East 2024. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to these remarkable individuals who are setting benchmarks for excellence and inspiring the next generation of legal professionals in the Middle East.
Sara Maggi – Lead researcher: The Legal 500 GC Powerlist Middle East 2024
LOD are thrilled to sponsor the GC Powerlist Middle East 2024, an event dedicated to celebrating the outstanding contributions of the region’s top General Counsel, Heads of Legal, and the rising stars shaping the future of the in-house legal community. After months of rigorous research, we are excited to see the results unveiled on October 30th at the iconic Fairmont The Palm Dubai.
The role of the General Counsel has evolved significantly in recent years, becoming a critical pillar of strategic leadership within their respective companies. Moving beyond providing legal advice, GCs now serve as trusted advisors to executive teams, helping navigate complex regulatory landscapes, mitigate risks, and drive business growth. They play a crucial role in shaping corporate governance, influencing company culture, and ensuring ethical standards are upheld.
We are in an incredibly exciting time for legal counsel in the region, as the Middle East emerges as a dynamic hub of economic growth and innovation. With rapid advancements in technology, evolving regulatory landscapes, and an increasingly complex global business environment, legal professionals in the region are at the forefront of shaping and navigating these changes.
This evolving landscape presents a wealth of opportunities for legal counsel to redefine their roles, expand their influence, and become pivotal figures in their organizations’ growth and success stories.
It’s a time of transformation, and legal counsel across the Middle East have the chance to lead, innovate, and set new standards for the in-house community.
We look forward to celebrating and sharing in the success of this remarkable community over drinks and canapés. See you there!
Sharq Law Firm is honored to be Qatar’s exclusive sponsor of the GC Powerlist Middle East 2024, an event recognizing the exceptional vision and influence of the region’s top General Counsel and in-house legal leaders. The event not only recognizes the strategic foresight of the region’s leading General Counsel and legal heads but also highlights exceptional legal practices and innovative solutions that drive the evolution of the legal profession—each selected for their innovative contributions and strategic foresight.
By sponsoring this event, Sharq Law Firm underscores its dedication to advancing the legal sector on both regional and global scales. The gathering offers a unique opportunity to connect with top lawyers, legal experts, and influential decision-makers, enhancing the role and visibility of Qatari legal expertise on the regional and international stage.
Sharq Law Firm’s participation highlights its commitment to fostering professional growth, supporting Qatar’s presence in international forums, and actively engaging with the global legal community to exchange knowledge and expertise. As one of Qatar’s leading firms, Sharq Law Firm is dedicated to advancing legal standards, delivering innovative solutions, and strengthening its role in a rapidly changing legal landscape.
We proudly celebrate these pioneering leaders who are setting new benchmarks across industries. This gathering is an inspiring reminder of the transformative impact of legal counsel across the Middle East, and we look forward to toasting to their successes in this remarkable setting.
The Legal 500 was proud to host the third edition of the GC Powerlist: Japan 2025 at the Capitol Hotel Tokyu, honouring the top General Counsel, Chief Legal Officers, Legal Directors, and senior in-house legal professionals operating at the highest level of Japan’s corporate legal landscape. Held in Tokyo, this year’s reception welcomed around 100 of the most respected and senior corporate counsel from across Japan. It was an unrivalled success, and cements Legal 500’s status as the leading force in legal media supporting the achievements of in-house counsel in Japan. The GC Powerlist: Japan 2025 marks the continuation of our commitment to recognising excellence in-house, and this year’s edition represents the most competitive and selective list to date.
Joe Boswell, lead editor of the GC powerlist publication at The Legal 500, opened the evening with an introduction that reflected on the growing prestige of the Japan list. He emphasised how the Powerlist has grown stronger each year, both in scope and quality, making the task of selection more difficult. This year’s honourees emerged from a deeply competitive field, making their recognition even more meaningful.
Boswell extended heartfelt congratulations to all honourees and acknowledged the critical support of key partners and sponsors who made the evening possible. Special thanks were given to Anderson Mori & Tomotsune, Morrison Foerster, iManage, JustLegal, and SS&C Intralinks for their generous sponsorship and ongoing collaboration.
In a moment of reflection, Joe paid tribute to Tim Mackey, chief legal officer at SoftBank, who sadly passed away unexpectedly earlier this year. Tim had contributed to the Powerlist in each of its three editions and was known not only for his exceptional legal acumen but also for his warmth and generosity.
The evening featured insightful remarks from distinguished speakers representing our partners and the broader legal community: Mischa Mulligan, Japan Director at SS&C Intralinks; Hiroki Kodate, Partner and Management Committee Member at Anderson Mori & Tomotsune; Jeremy White, Global Co-Chair of M&A for Morrison Foerster; and, representing those awarded in the Powerlist, Naoki Hamada, General Counsel for Japan at HSBC.
Each speaker provided reflections on legal innovation, leadership, and the evolving role of in-house counsel in Japan’s corporate landscape. Their remarks added valuable context to the achievements celebrated throughout the evening.
The formal awards segment celebrated this year’s GC Powerlist honourees. With assistance from long-time collaborator Isaac Uchiyama who read out awardees’ names, recipients were invited to collect their certificates, pose for photographs, and be formally recognised by their peers.
Certificates were presented on stage by Hiroki Kodate or Anderson Mori & Tomotsune and Jeremy White of Morrison Foerster, whose participation further underlined the deep support of the Japanese and international legal communities.
The GC Powerlist: Japan 2025 reception reaffirmed Legal 500’s commitment to spotlighting the very best of in-house legal talent. With record levels of interest and unmatched quality among candidates, the Japan edition continues to solidify its place as one of the most respected publications in the global GC Powerlist series.
We extend our sincere congratulations to all honourees and thank our partners, sponsors, and speakers for making the evening a success.
We look forward to returning to Tokyo again next year. As a parting gift, you can view Naoki Hamada’s excellent keynote address below, where he touches on a lot of issues and themes that many other GC, whatever country they operate in, will recognise:
‘Good evening, everyone. I am Naoki Hamada of HSBC. I am very pleased to be here speaking to you today. It is a great pleasure and honor, and at the same time, I feel a bit overwhelmed being surrounded by the busiest and most expensive lawyers in the industry—even if I know that nobody will be charging us for their time. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Legal 500 for organizing such a great event, and Anderson Mori & Tomotsune, Morrison Foerster, iManage, SS&C Intralinks, and Just Legal for sponsoring and supporting it. And, huge congratulations on the recognition each of you is receiving, which is truly a great accomplishment and the result of your hard work and the accumulated trust the entire industry has placed in you.
It must be emphasized that this award is given only to general counsels. Being a general counsel means a lot more than just being a subject matter expert. You are a most reliable strategic partner for the business, and I am sure that you have distinguished yourself from the crowd by your ability to identify underlying risks, devise legal solutions, ensure the right processes and governance for corporate decisions, influence others, and educate the next generation of lawyers. This is what you are being recognized for.
Looking back on my career, I have been hugely helped by lawyers in other companies through various industry communities. When I joined the in-house world 12 years ago from a Japanese law firm, large international banks were all struggling with a huge wave of regulatory reform. Back then, I was relatively new to that particular area of finance, and my hiring was somewhat potential-based. Nonetheless, I was assigned to lead the regulatory reform efforts locally. My predecessor had left the bank before I joined, there was no sufficient handover, and I was completely lost as to what to do. What helped me most were the industry peer group discussions, where in-house counsels from major banks would get together to discuss common issues. I learned so much from what was discussed there and absorbed as much as I could. Without that network, I am sure that I wouldn’t have survived that time.
However, our situation today is far more difficult. The changes in the landscape we face today are unprecedented. Technological developments and the corresponding shifts in geopolitical and industrial landscapes are completely unpredictable, and the speed at which they happen is far faster than before. We might face a time that requires us to pivot, forcing us to redefine how we add value and rebuild the way we work. That is somewhat intimidating. But, I am confident that a way forward will be found through the collective wisdom and effort of the people in this room. I would like to be a part of that, and this network of people is enormously valuable and truly priceless.
Finally, let’s have a drink and celebrate our achievements for now – before your CEO calls asking you to join a call! Thank you so much.’
