Eversheds Sutherland Launches Konexo Consulting Practice In Middle East With Strategic Hire
Eversheds Sutherland Launches Konexo Consulting Practice In Middle East With Strategic Hire
Eversheds Sutherland, along with its consulting and alternative legal services practice, Konexo, has made a strategic move by hiring Richard Chudzynski, a leading expert in data protection, AI, and data regulatory law, as part of its expansion efforts in the Middle East.
This hire underscores the firm’s dedication to enhancing its legal and consulting services for global clients already established in the Middle East and those aiming to expand in the region. Operating from Dubai, Chudzynski’s practice will focus on the rapidly evolving sectors of data protection, regulation, and AI governance. The firm plans to further bolster its regional presence with additional hires to support its growing practice.
An English-qualified lawyer, Chudzynski previously led PwC Legal’s data protection, regulatory, and AI governance business in the Middle East starting in 2016. He is regarded as one of the region’s top data protection and privacy lawyers, offering vast expertise in advising clients across banking, finance, government services, hospitality, and aviation. His work includes overseeing legal privacy assessments, implementing privacy measures, developing governance models, handling third-party contracts, managing international data transfers, and addressing data ethics and AI concerns.
Chudzynski has also worked extensively with regulators in the Middle East, contributing to the establishment of the first GCC national data protection regulator and drafting data privacy laws and implementing regulations. His deep knowledge also extends to guiding regulators on data privacy and AI law and leading the creation of complex regulatory frameworks and guidance.
Chudzynski will collaborate with Eversheds Sutherland and Konexo’s global legal teams to provide comprehensive services in data protection, privacy, regulatory, cyber security, and AI governance, offering both legal and consultancy perspectives.
Tawfiq Tabbaa, Managing Partner at Eversheds Sutherland Middle East, commented, “This is a significant move for the firm and supports our recent investment in the region including building on our joint venture relationship with our colleagues at AlDhabaan & Partners in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Demand for legal advice, supported by consultancy and implementation, continues to grow at pace in the region and we are pleased to be able to work closely with Richard to expand the firm’s offering to our clients.”
David Saunders, Partner and Head of Konexo, added, “I am delighted that Richard has chosen to join the firm’s Middle East practice. The Middle East and North Africa data market is projected to reach over USD3 billion by 2030, driven by rapid digital transformation across many industries, and Richard’s unique set of legal and consultancy skills will help support our clients to make these changes. His understanding of numerous industries’ data protection, cyber, privacy regulation, and AI governance requirements in the Middle East are issues which our clients continue to identify as their biggest areas of risk. Richard’s deep experience here will support our clients and he will work seamlessly with Konexo’s team in the UK, US, and Asia, and Eversheds Sutherland’s global network.”
Richard Chudzynski, Partner and Head of Konexo Middle East, commented, “Clients are increasingly seeking experienced legal counsel and consultancy services under one umbrella to ensure compliance and mitigate risks associated with the new regulatory requirements of the digital era. We aim to provide end-to-end support to meet the growing demand for data protection, regulatory services, and AI governance, and advise clients on the new data protection laws and AI requirements across many Middle Eastern countries. I look forward to working closely with our teams in the Middle East in particular in the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which is a key focus for our team. With my entrepreneurial approach, I am eager to embrace this new challenge and develop a leading team to support our clients, and provide a truly multidisciplinary team and approach addressing the complex challenges our clients face.”
