FTI Consulting presents first Craig Gibson Award for Young Disputes Professional 2024

FTI Consulting, Inc. held the first Craig Gibson Award for Young Disputes Professional 2024 on November 11th in Dubai, coinciding with Dubai Arbitration Week. The accolade, established in memory of Craig Gibson – a managing director at FTI Consulting who passed away in 2023 at the age of 38 – aims to recognise outstanding young talent within the disputes sector, while upholding Gibson’s legacy of mentorship and community involvement.

The award was presented by Colin Wilson, senior managing director, FTI Consulting and Michael Kenyon, managing director, BRG, who were both colleagues of the late Gibson. Nominations were submitted for rising stars in the construction, disputes, arbitration and legal communities.

“It was incredibly pleasing to see over 90 members of the legal community, including experts, lawyers and arbitrators, attend the inaugural award ceremony,” said Kenyon. “Craig was a huge champion of mentorship and bringing young talent to the forefront, and it is pleasing that his legacy in advocating for this will continue through this award, which we hope will become a staple of the Dubai Arbitration Week calendar.”

Jahnvi Jhaveri, an associate in the Dispute Resolution team at DLA Piper, received the inaugural Craig Gibson Award. She was recognised for her contributions to the field, including outstanding legal expertise, dedication to client service, and her approach to dispute resolution, gaining respect within her firm and among clients. Her leadership skills, dedication to teamwork and mentorship of junior colleagues also set her apart as a rising star in the industry.

Wilson commented, “We had an overwhelming response of fantastic nominations from the disputes community, all of whom Craig would have been proud to see recommended for an award in his name. Jahnvi is a deserving winner and we hope to see her continue to be inspired and in turn, inspire other young professionals in the region.”

Gibson was a beloved husband, father, colleague and mentor, known for his generosity and commitment to giving back, as evidenced by his advocacy for healthcare and children’s charities and his work heading the Dubai Wasps rugby club.

The Craig Gibson Award for Young Disputes Professional is intended to become an annual fixture during Dubai Arbitration Week, celebrating and fostering the next generation of leaders in the disputes and arbitration sector across the UAE and beyond.