Reed Smith appoints Anders Nilsson to lead its Middle East offices

Reed Smith announced the appointment of Anders Nilsson as managing partner of its Middle East offices. Nilsson, who joined the firm in November 2025, will oversee the firm’s operations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and its recently opened office in Riyadh.

Nilsson brings more than 25 years’ experience, including 12 years practising in the Middle East, advising multinational clients on public and private M&A, joint ventures, strategic investments, and general corporate matters. He joined Reed Smith from Bird & Bird, where he served as head of the firm’s Middle East offices.

Gregor Pryor, Reed Smith’s EME managing partner, said, “Anders is an exceptional lawyer with deep roots in the Middle East and a clear understanding of what clients in the region expect from their legal advisers. His appointment reflects our continued commitment to investing in the region and ensuring our clients benefit from strong, experienced leadership. With the opening of our Riyadh office and growing client demand across key sectors, Anders’ leadership will be instrumental in driving our next phase of growth and delivering first-class service across the Middle East.”

Anders Nilsson said, “I am honoured to take on this role at such an exciting time for the firm and for the region. Reed Smith has an outstanding platform, a collaborative culture, and a long history of supporting clients in the Middle East. I look forward to working closely with our teams in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh to help clients navigate their most complex matters and to continue building our capabilities across this dynamic and rapidly evolving market.”

Nilsson’s appointment comes at a time of significant momentum for Reed Smith globally and in the region. The launch of the Riyadh office in 2025 marked the firm’s third new office opening that year, following successful launches in Atlanta and Denver. Reed Smith has maintained a longstanding presence in the Middle East for more than 45 years, beginning with its Abu Dhabi office in 1978. The firm now has three offices in the region and more than 25 lawyers, including seven partners.

He succeeds Sachin Kerur, who has served as managing partner of the Middle East offices since 2018 and is leaving the firm to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.