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Ghada El Ehwany makes history as she becomes the new Managing Partner for Baker McKenzie Cairo
Baker McKenzie Cairo - Helmy, Hamza & Partners has today announced that corporate commercial expert Ghada El Ehwany has begun her new role as the firm’s Managing Partner.
The appointment of highly experienced MENA corporate, commercial, and labour lawyer Ghada El Ehwany as the new Managing Partner, effective 1 July 2025, marks an historic milestone, said Baker McKenzie Cairo - Helmy, Hamza & Partners.
“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 today, when announcing the appointment.
A graduate of the University of Cairo and Panthéon-Sorbonne in Paris, Ghada El Ehwany has recently been Head of the Corporate and Commercial Practice Group for Baker McKenzie Cairo. She practices in corporate, commercial and labour matters, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, healthcare regulatory, insolvency, compliance, TMT, compliance, investigations, and dispute resolution matters.
“With over 25 years of experience in the legal field, Ghada has built a distinguished career advising clients across Egypt and the MENA region,” said the firm.
“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.
Before returning to Baker McKenzie Cairo - Helmy, Hamza & Partners as a partner in 2019, Ghada spent several years working in Dubai, as a Knowledge Manager and Counsel for Baker McKenzie. She has also developed and delivered Continuing Legal Practice Development training courses accredited by the Dubai Legal Affairs Department on a wide range of UAE legal issues and legislative developments.
Ghada succeeds Mohamed Ghannam in the role of Managing Partner. He heads the Banking, Projects, Mergers & Acquisitions and Capital Markets Practice Groups for Baker McKenzie Cairo - Helmy, Hamza & Partners, and has led the firm since 2019.
Today also marks the official start of Egyptian banking and finance expert Mostafa Lotayef joining the Baker McKenzie Cairo - Helmy, Hamza & Partners partnership.
As reported by Africa Legal last month, Mostafa has risen through the ranks at Baker McKenzie Cairo - Helmy, Hamza & Partners over the past decade, after beginning his legal career at Commercial International Bank Egypt.
“Becoming a partner is a tremendously proud moment for my career,” says 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.”