Bird & Bird appoints Melissa Murray and Simon Shooter as Country Heads in UAE and Saudi Arabia
The International law firm Bird & Bird has announced the appointment of Melissa Murray as head of the UAE office and Simon Shooter as head of the Saudi Arabia office.
The strategic appointments follow the recent opening of Bird & Bird’s Riyadh office and reflect the firm’s continued commitment to the region and its clients across the rapidly evolving commercial landscape.
In addition to her new role, Melissa Murray serves as the head of Intellectual Property for the Middle East and global co-head of franchising. Since joining the firm in 2012, she has played a pivotal role in expanding the firm’s regional practice from one office with four employees to three offices with over 50 employees.
Simon Shooter, head of Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) for the Middle East, is a commercial and technology partner and founder of the firm’s cybersecurity practice. With nearly three decades of experience, Shooter has been a partner with Bird & Bird for over 17 years.
The appointments come shortly after Bird & Bird’s launch of its Riyadh office, its third in the Middle East following offices in Dubai (2013) and Abu Dhabi (2011). The Riyadh office focuses on technology, intellectual property (IP), transactional, and general corporate advisory.
Commenting on the appointments, Christian Bartsch (CEO, Bird & Bird) said, “We are thrilled to appoint Melissa and Simon as our new heads of country in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Both bring a wealth of experience and a passion for client service that aligns perfectly with our strategic ambitions in the region. Their leadership will be central as we continue to help organisations harness the opportunities of change, particularly in sectors shaped by technology and digital innovation.”
Melissa Murray added, “I am honoured to be appointed as head of country after 14 years as a partner with the firm. Leading our highly successful IP practice has been an incredible journey, and I am excited to take on this new role.”
Simon Shooter commented, “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today is one of the most exciting environments in the world. There is a buzz and dynamism in the Kingdom that is enthralling and which creates endless opportunities. With technology at the tip of our practice, we are supremely well-positioned to engage enthusiastically in the delivery of the 2030 Vision. Together with my excellent group of partners and associates, I am enormously looking forward to the years ahead and the continuation of my Arabian adventures.”
If you have a news or deal publication or would like to collaborate on content, columns, or article publications, connect with the Legal Era News Network Team and email us at [email protected] or call us on +91 8879634922.