General Counsel

About the role

A renowned group of companies with diverse business interests and international investments is looking for a General Counsel. The role sits at the intersection of business ambition, shareholder interests and legal risk, working closely with shareholders and the board on major investments, complex transactions, disputes and ownership matters. It suits someone who can make difficult calls, reconcile competing priorities and advise with trust and discretion.

Key responsibilities

• Advise shareholders and the board on ownership structures, shareholder rights, governance and private investment matters.
• Lead the legal work on acquisitions, investments, joint ventures and financing, shaping terms early and negotiating key protections.
• Identify and address weak contractual positions, unclear obligations and unresolved liabilities across businesses and jurisdictions.
• Set the strategy for litigation, arbitration and settlements, recommending what to defend, negotiate or resolve.
• Build a responsive legal function, develop the internal team and hold external advisers accountable for the quality, cost and usefulness of their advice.

Required profile

• A professionally qualified lawyer with substantial senior legal experience.
• Experience leading the legal function for diverse business entities.
• Record of advising shareholders and boards directly.
• Experience in the GCC and meaningful exposure in Europe.
• Arabic and English capability strongly preferred.