Baker McKenzie Appoints Ghada El Ehwany As Managing Partner In Cairo, Marking A Historic Milestone

Baker McKenzie appoints Ghada El Ehwany as Managing Partner in Cairo, marking a historic milestone

Baker McKenzie Cairo - Helmy, Hamza & Partners has announced the appointment of Ghada El Ehwany as the firm’s new Managing Partner, effective 1 July 2025. A seasoned corporate commercial lawyer with over 25 years of experience, El Ehwany’s appointment marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first female Managing Partner in the history of Baker McKenzie's Cairo office and the MENA region.

“Ghada becomes the first female Managing Partner in the history of our Cairo office and the region — a powerful testament to her leadership and the firm’s commitment to progress and inclusion,” said the firm in an official statement.

A graduate of the University of Cairo and Panthéon-Sorbonne in Paris, Ghada El Ehwany has led the firm’s Corporate and Commercial Practice Group in Cairo. Her areas of expertise include mergers and acquisitions, labour law, healthcare regulatory, TMT, compliance, investigations, and dispute resolution.

“With over 25 years of experience in the legal field, Ghada has built a distinguished career advising clients across Egypt and the MENA region,” the firm noted. “Her journey has been shaped by thoughtful leadership, deep expertise, and a genuine passion for mentoring others - qualities that will undoubtedly define her impact in this new role.”

Prior to rejoining Baker McKenzie Cairo as a partner in 2019, Ghada held senior roles in Dubai, including as Knowledge Manager and Counsel for Baker McKenzie. She also developed Continuing Legal Practice Development training courses accredited by the Dubai Legal Affairs Department.

El Ehwany succeeds Mohamed Ghannam, who has led the firm since 2019 and continues to head the firm’s Banking, Projects, M&A, and Capital Markets Practice Groups.

The firm also welcomed Mostafa Lotayef as a partner, effective the same day. Lotayef, a banking and finance expert, has been with Baker McKenzie Cairo for the past decade, starting his legal career with Commercial International Bank Egypt.

“Becoming a partner is a tremendously proud moment for my career,” said Mostafa. “I’m incredibly grateful for the journey so far and deeply inspired by the amazing work our Cairo team continues to deliver. I’m excited to build on that momentum and deliver even greater impact for our clients across the region.”

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