What are the key projects that you have been involved in over the past 12 months?

Etihad has been on a rapid growth trajectory over the last twenty-four months and, as such, I have been involved in numerous strategic alliances, partnerships, and joint ventures.

Most recently, we have entered into joint venture agreements with airlines in China and Africa, executed strategic agreements with airports to strengthen access throughout the Asia-Pacific region, and partnered with the airline cargo industry’s first-ever real-time shipment tracking solution.

All these initiatives have commenced and been completed within the five months since I joined, which offers just a glimpse into how fast-paced life at Etihad can be.

Have you had any experiences during your career as a lawyer that stand out as particularly unique or interesting?

I’ve been extremely fortunate to gain experience both as an in-house counsel and as a private practitioner with leading airlines and international law firms. This dual background has given me a well-rounded perspective and the ability to approach legal challenges both critically and commercially.

Often, in-house counsel may struggle to fully grasp the complexity of the legal framework, while external advisers may not appreciate the nuances of navigating internal business systems to get a deal across the line. My blend of law firm and in-house experience bridges this gap and enables me to provide practical, commercially viable legal solutions.

This balanced perspective is what I consider particularly unique in my career journey, and it’s something I greatly value.