Hogan Lovells Cadwalader has strengthened its regulatory and public policy team in Saudi Arabia by welcoming Dr. Yazid Almasoud as a partner in its Riyadh office. He will oversee the firm’s Public Policy and Regulatory practice across the region, arriving from Greenberg Traurig LLP. This addition aligns with the firm’s efforts to grow its footprint in a market where foreign investment and government reforms are expanding quickly.
Almasoud contributes nearly a decade of experience advising HRH the Minister of Energy on legislative reforms, governance restructuring, and institutional changes. His work with government agencies, sovereign entities, and high-level committees provides direct insight into how policy is developed and enforced in Saudi Arabia. The firm emphasizes that this expertise is essential for clients—both international and domestic—operating in a jurisdiction where legal and regulatory structures are changing rapidly.
Janice Hogan, the firm’s global leader for regulatory and IP practice, described the hire as a strategic move. “Dr. Almasoud brings a rare combination of senior government experience, public policy insight, and regulatory knowledge that is increasingly important for international and domestic clients investing and operating in Saudi Arabia. His arrival strengthens our ability to help clients understand not only the law, but also the policy and institutional frameworks shaping one of the world’s most dynamic markets.”
Almasoud’s arrival supports Hogan Lovells Cadwalader’s goal of becoming a full-service advisor in the region. Earlier this year, the firm expanded its Dubai office by hiring Adil Hussain as a Banking and Loan Finance partner, reinforcing its commitment to the Middle East. His new role in Riyadh adds regulatory expertise to the firm’s transactional services, enabling clients to access full legal and policy support.
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The hiring reflects a larger trend: as Saudi Arabia advances economic diversification under Vision 2030, foreign law firms are prioritizing local expertise. Almasoud’s connections, including his work with supreme and ministerial committees, offer unique insights into how reforms are executed.
Georgy Kalashnikov, head of the firm’s Middle East region, added, “Saudi Arabia continues to be a key market for our clients and a strategic focus for the firm. Dr. Almasoud’s experience advising government institutions on public policy and regulatory matters strengthens our ability to support clients investing, operating, and expanding in the Kingdom, where we envision further growth of our capabilities.”
Almasoud highlighted the significance of his arrival. “I am delighted to join Hogan Lovells Cadwalader at a defining moment for the firm. The combined capabilities create a compelling platform for clients operating at the intersection of business, finance, and government. I look forward to developing and leading our Public Policy and Regulatory practice in Saudi Arabia and across the wider region, and to working with colleagues globally to support governments, sovereign entities, and businesses on complex reforms, investments, and strategic projects.”
Dr. Almasoud’s appointment adds an important regulatory dimension to the firm’s Riyadh offering, complementing its transactional platform and enabling more integrated support for clients handling Saudi Arabia’s evolving legal and regulatory environment. His arrival reflects the firm’s continued investment in the Middle East.
