About

MH Alshaya’s legal function has been at the heart of the spectacular growth and diversification that has led to its current world-renowned status in the retail sector. Since it has been led by highly regarded general counsel David Bligh-Smith, who took over in early 2006, the company’s portfolio has expanded from 750 to over 3400 stores and from 26 to over 70 brands, including Starbucks and H&M. The team’s qualities do not lie solely in this field, however. Given the conglomerate’s continued diversification, it also supports real estate, hospitality and trading efforts which require its lawyers to be capable in a variety of roles, though fortunately – given the prominence of MH Alshaya in the Gulf business landscape – it is able to recruit some of the best in-house counsel available. Alongside Bligh-Smith, associate general counsel Mohammed Osman has made an indelible impact to the development of the team, having been a part of it since late 2007.