Doha: Allen Y Merhej (pictured), Executive Director and Head of Legal, The First Investor, the investment banking arm of Barwa Bank Group, was recognised as “Highly Commended’’ General Counsel of The Year, at Corporate Counsel Middle East Awards 2015.
The fourth edition of the awards ceremony at Raffles Hotel in Dubai was hosted by Legal Week, organisers of British Legal Awards, and Association of Corporate Counsel Middle East, an international organisation that serves over 35,000 members in 85 countries and the largest membership group for in-house legal counsel in the region. It is the only event rewarding legal excellence, innovation and achievements in the Middle East, opening participation for in-house legal teams and law firms operating in the region.
Twenty-five multinational and regional were shotlisted, including the biggest legal firms, investment companies, financial institutions, oil and gas companies, real estate development conglomerates and insurance groups.
Merhej was shortlisted with six contenders in the General Counsel of The Year sub-category under the In-House Awards category; the latter also includes Legal Department of the Year, In-house Innovation and Legal Counsel of the Year.
In a statement, Khalid Yousef Al Subeai, Acting CEO, Barwa Bank Group said: “We’re proud that efforts of our key members are materialising in high-profile wins for our group and in important recognition for their individual endeavours.”
Yousef Al Obaidan, CEO, The First Investor, added: “Since he joined The First Investor in 2010, Allen has demonstrated a highly proactive and focused approach to challenges and opportunities.
“This is a well-deserved accolade for his leadership of the legal team.”
The Peninsula
