Zeid Hanania named Middle East managing partner at Eversheds Sutherland

Eversheds Sutherland has announced the appointment of Zeid Hanania as its new Middle East regional managing partner. Hanania takes on the new role with effect from January 1, 2027, succeeding partner Tawfiq Tabbaa.

In his new role, Hanania will lead Eversheds Sutherland’s business across the Middle East. Tabbaa is stepping down after nine years as Middle East Regional managing partner to focus on his role as Jordan and Iraq Managing Partner.

Hanania currently heads Eversheds Sutherland’s Corporate Finance practice in the Middle East. He advises regional and multinational corporates, private equity firms, sovereign wealth funds and family offices on cross-border M&A, private equity, strategic joint ventures, and inbound and outbound investment across the MENA region and internationally. He has been consistently ranked by Chambers as a leading Corporate/M&A lawyer in both its UAE and Middle East-wide rankings.

Eversheds Sutherland has more than 100 lawyers across its Middle East offices, advising clients on domestic, regional and international matters. The Middle East practice is an integral part of the firm’s global network, giving clients seamless access to its international capabilities.

Keith Froud, global co-CEO and International chief executive, Eversheds Sutherland, said, “Zeid is an outstanding leader who is highly regarded by our clients and colleagues alike. He has played an important part in our success to date and brings deep expertise, a strong track record and a clear vision for the future.  I am looking forward to working with him as part of our senior leadership team as we drive further momentum, progress our strategy and deliver on our ambitions.”

Zeid Hanania, partner, Eversheds Sutherland, said, “The Middle East is one of the most dynamic markets in the world, and our clients are increasingly looking to us for joined-up advice across the region and beyond. We have an outstanding team and a strong platform, and my priority is to build on those foundations by bringing together the best of our capabilities, maintaining consistently high standards and delivering exceptional service to our clients. We will continue to invest where we can be market-leading and to deepen and grow our client relationships.”

 Tawfiq Tabba, partner, Eversheds Sutherland, said, “Leading our Middle East business has been enormously rewarding. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together and hugely grateful to our partners and colleagues across the region for their contribution. I’m thrilled to be handing the reins to Zeid. He knows our people, our clients and the region extremely well, and I know he’ll bring his own energy and ideas to the role. I’m also excited to concentrate fully on my role as Jordan and Iraq managing partner and the continued growth of our business there.”

Eversheds Sutherland recently announced the relocation of its head of construction, partner Jonathan Douglas from London to Dubai, together with the return of Mohamed Khanaty as a legal director to its Dubai office.