Rachel Reid Named Global Co-Head of AI at Eversheds Sutherland, Bolstering Client-Facing AI Strategy and Services

Ms. Reid, who has been serving as the firm’s US Head of AI, will continue to guide US strategy while expanding her leadership to the global level.

Ms. Reid will help lead external, client-facing AI strategy worldwide with a particular emphasis on emerging regulatory frameworks, responsible AI deployment and sustained governance, intellectual property and cross-border advisory work. Her appointment underscores the firm’s leadership in generative AI (GenAI) legal services and comes at a time of increasing client demand for sophisticated counsel as AI tools and technologies continue to transform industries.

Lino Mendiola, Global Co-CEO of Eversheds Sutherland comments: “I am thrilled to see Rachel step into this global role. Her steady leadership and deep understanding of clients’ needs make her an exceptional partner as we continue strengthening our global AI capabilities. Clients trust us to bring clarity and confidence to complex issues, and Rachel’s approach reinforces that commitment.” 

Keith Froud, Global Co-CEO of Eversheds Sutherland comments: “As AI continues to transform the way industries operate, it is essential that our global teams stay aligned as they advise clients on what’s ahead. Working in close partnership with Nasser Ali Khasawneh, Partner and Global Co-Head of AI, Rachel brings a strong combination of technical excellence and strategic leadership to our global AI team.”

Since rejoining the firm in 2023, Ms. Reid has helped lead the firm’s efforts to support clients in navigating the rapidly shifting landscape of GenAI technologies, drawing on her extensive experience in the areas of data privacy and data security. Her accomplishments include launching and leading the firm’s US AI service offering for clients, including an AI Academy training program, helping to establish the firm’s internal AI policy for employees and implementing a GenAI platform for use by attorneys and business professionals in the firm’s US offices. 

Nasser Ali Khasawneh, Global Co-Head of AI comments: 
“As our AI client advisory work continues to grow, it’s the right time to expand the executive responsibility and ownership of our global AI strategy to increase support for our clients who need multi-jurisdictional perspective at the highest level. I am delighted that Rachel will now co-lead with me on this critical front given her demonstrated leadership, deep legal acumen and stellar client service on commercial AI law issues and influential thought leadership. I am confident that Rachel will be an invaluable contributor across our offices internationally and am thrilled to begin this new phase in our AI journey on behalf of clients.”

Rachel Reid, Global Co-Head of AI comments: 
“I’m honored to step into this co‑leadership role alongside Nasser, who has done an exceptional job shaping our global AI advisory approach, placing Eversheds Sutherland at the forefront of this rapidly developing legal field. Clients across industries are working hard to keep pace with both the opportunities and the challenges that AI continues to introduce. Nasser and I, together with our Global AI Leadership Team, are committed to empowering our practice groups and other teams worldwide to ensure they are informed about evolving AI trends and equipped to provide guidance and solutions that give our clients a competitive edge.”

In the past year, Ms. Reid has advised some of the world’s most recognized brands on responsible adoption of artificial intelligence, including helping clients design and operationalize global AI governance programs, evaluate and deploy GenAI tools and navigate fast‑moving regulatory developments across major markets. Her sought-after experience includes supporting technology, financial services, and consumer‑facing businesses as they introduce AI‑driven products, implement internal AI controls and impact‑assessment processes, and develop enterprise‑wide policies, training programs, and vendor‑oversight frameworks to strengthen their strategic business relationships.

As Global Co-Heads, Ms. Reid and Mr. Khasawneh will also direct the firm’s Global AI Leadership Team, launched in 2023, which ensures a consistent approach to AI strategy across the global law practice. A Global AI Task Force, led by Rachel Broquard (Service Excellence Partner, International) and Katrina Dittmer (US Senior Director of Legal Innovation), contributes to these efforts with a focus on the firm’s use of AI technologies in its own operations. The firm also recently announced the formation of its AI-centric US Innovation Department, another example of Eversheds Sutherland’s innovation focus to better serve clients. The International firm also launched its partnership with Harvey as its general GenAI legal assistant to help support the delivery of the firm’s strategy by providing significant benefits to its legal teams and clients.