A&O Shearman strengthens Saudi Arabia practice with appointment of corporate partner Shaima Bakhsh

Shaima, who will join the firm in January 2026, will advise on corporate and M&A matters across Saudi Arabia, supporting the firm as it continues its nearly 50-year history in the Kingdom.

Hosam Ibn Ghaith, managing partner of A&O Shearman’s Riyadh office, commented: “Shaima brings a rare combination of board‑level insight and execution experience in the Kingdom. Her arrival strengthens our on‑the‑ground capability in Riyadh and enhances how we help clients navigate Saudi Arabia’s fast‑moving corporate landscape.”

“Our commitment to Saudi Arabia is longstanding and strong,” added David Foster, A&O Shearman’s managing partner for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META), “the Kingdom is a core pillar of our Middle East and international strategy, and we continue to invest in our team and capabilities locally.”

Shaima said: “The Kingdom offers immense opportunity for high-impact client work amid the transformation, growth, and institutionalization spurred on by Vision 2030. I’m delighted to join A&O Shearman at such a pivotal time for the Saudi market. Drawing on my experience from both the private practice and in-house worlds, I look forward to partnering with clients on transformative transactions and helping them achieve their objectives.”

Shaima’s appointment brings A&O Shearman’s number of partners across the Middle East, Turkey and Africa region to 35.