Ontier announces the appointment of Lojayne Shaheen, reinforcing its strategic commitment to the Middle East and further consolidating International Arbitration as one of the firm’s key pillars for growth.
Lojayne Shaheen brings extensive experience in dispute resolution and international arbitration, developed throughout her professional career in Europe, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. She joins Ontier from Freshfields, where she worked in the firm’s Riyadh office, gaining in-depth knowledge of the Saudi legal landscape and the dynamics of international business in the region.
Her appointment strengthens Ontier’s Middle East strategy, led by Kamal Khashoggi and advances the firm’s international growth plan.
At Ontier, Lojayne will work closely with Kamal Khashoggi to drive and consolidate the firm’s Middle East strategy. Both will serve as the partners representing Ontier in Saudi Arabia, jointly leading the development of the firm’s regional strategy and establishing a long-term presence in the region. At the same time, Lojayne will play an active role in the growth of the International Arbitration practice led by Mercedes Romero, in close collaboration with the firm’s London office led by Claire Morel de Westgaver also a leading International Arbitration expert.
“Ontier’s project in the Middle East is built on a long-term vision, grounded in local knowledge, technical excellence and a genuine understanding of international business dynamics,” says Lojayne Shaheen. “Saudi Arabia is undergoing a profound transformation and offers legal and economic opportunities of significant interest. My aim is to help position Ontier as a strategic partner for clients operating in the region, as well as for those seeking to connect the Middle East with Europe and the Americas.”
Javier Muñoz, International Director at Ontier, highlights that “the appointment of Lojayne Shaheen strengthens two key pillars of our strategy: the Middle East and International Arbitration. Our objective is to build a solid project in Saudi Arabia, supported by top-tier talent and a strong International Arbitration practice, capable of positioning Ontier as a benchmark both in the region and internationally.”
This appointment reflects Ontier’s commitment to an international growth model based on the combination of local expertise, global reach and technical excellence.
This move takes place against the backdrop of the growing role of the Middle East as an international hub for investment and business development. In this context, Ontier’s consolidated presence in key Anglo-Saxon markets, with offices in London and Miami, strengthens its ability to support clients in highly complex cross-border projects in a region of increasing global relevance.