Eversheds Sutherland (International) announces senior leadership appointments

Sophie White appointed Practice Group Head for Employment, Labor and Pensions

Sophie White, who currently leads Eversheds Sutherland’s London Employment team, will become Practice Group Head for Employment, Labor and Pensions on 1 November.

Sophie succeeds Diane Gilhooley, who has led the group since 2017, and who will retire from Eversheds Sutherland at the end of this year after more than 25 years with the firm.

Sophie is a highly experienced employment lawyer, advising clients on complex international, transactional and contentious employment matters, as well as sensitive senior-level investigations and major workforce and organisational change. She is recognised as a Leading Partner for London employer-side employment law by legal industry directories, Legal 500 and is also individually ranked by Chambers.

She will lead an international Employment, Labor and Pensions practice of more than 400 people, including more than 100 partners, with employment and pensions capability across 54 offices. The group advises clients on domestic and international workforce issues, providing coordinated advice across multiple jurisdictions.

Sophie White, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland, said:

“I am delighted to be taking on the leadership of our Employment, Labor and Pensions practice. We have a fantastic international team and I’m incredibly proud of the people and expertise we have across our group. I am really looking forward to delivering the very best for our clients, and shaping the continued success of our international practice together.”

Zeid Hanania appointed Middle East Regional Managing Partner

Partner Zeid Hanania will become Middle East Regional Managing Partner on 1 January 2027, succeeding Tawfiq Tabbaa. In his new role, Zeid will lead Eversheds Sutherland’s business across the Middle East. Tawfiq is stepping down after nine years as Middle East Regional Managing Partner to focus on his role as Jordan and Iraq Managing Partner.

Zeid currently heads Eversheds Sutherland’s Corporate Finance practice in the Middle East. He advises regional and multinational corporates, private equity firms, sovereign wealth funds and family offices on cross-border M&A, private equity, strategic joint ventures, and inbound and outbound investment across the MENA region and internationally.  He has been consistently ranked by Chambers as a leading Corporate/M&A lawyer in both its UAE and Middle East-wide rankings.

Eversheds Sutherland has more than 100 lawyers across its Middle East offices, advising clients on domestic, regional and international matters. The Middle East practice is an integral part of the firm’s global network, giving clients seamless access to its international capabilities.

Zeid Hanania, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland, said:

“The Middle East is one of the most dynamic markets in the world, and our clients are increasingly looking to us for joined-up advice across the region and beyond. We have an outstanding team and a strong platform, and my priority is to build on those foundations by bringing together the best of our capabilities, maintaining consistently high standards and delivering exceptional service to our clients. We will continue to invest where we can be market-leading and to deepen and grow our client relationships.”

James Trafford appointed Global Co-Head of Sustainability & ESG

James Trafford will take on a new role as Global Co-Head of Sustainability & ESG from 1 November, alongside his current leadership of the firm’s International Real Estate practice. James succeeds Diane Gilhooley in this role.

In his role as Real Estate Practice Group head, James advises major UK and international businesses, with particular experience across energy and infrastructure, financial services, transport and technology. His work includes major renewable energy and infrastructure developments, including multi-billion-pound offshore wind projects. He is ranked as an Eminent Practitioner for Real Estate by Chambers and as a Leading Partner by The Legal 500.

Eversheds Sutherland’s global Sustainability & ESG team brings together expertise from across the firm to advise clients on areas including energy transition, climate change, sustainable finance, business and human rights and corporate governance. Its multidisciplinary team comprises 85 partners and more than 200 lawyers across the firm’s jurisdictions and practice groups.

James Trafford, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland, said:

“This is an exciting time to take on the role. Diane has done a tremendous job and leaves us with very strong foundations to build on. We have considerable strength across the firm and a real opportunity to bring that expertise together in an even more focused way. I want to work with colleagues globally to make the most of those strengths and keep our strategy focused on where we can make the greatest difference for our clients.”

Keith Froud, Global Co-CEO and International Chief Executive, Eversheds Sutherland, said:

“Sophie, James and Zeid are outstanding leaders who are highly regarded by our clients and colleagues alike. Each has played an important part in our success to date and brings deep expertise, a strong track record and a clear vision for the future.  I am looking forward to working with them as part of our senior leadership team as we drive further momentum, progress our strategy and deliver on our ambitions.”